
Glass , ! 11£4 

Book J^l 

Copyright N° . 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



ENTERED ACCORDING TO THE ACT OF CONGRES8. 
1905. 



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companion, counsellor anfc frienfc. 



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•fcelen 1R. Connor. 






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S a player, however skillful, can bring forth but 
imperfect music from an ill-tuned instrument, 
so can the unseen forces bring but un- 
satisfactory results through inferior mediums. And as (in 
the first instance) the harmonies proclaim not only the 
skill of the performer but the quality of the instrument he 
plays, even so are the manifestations of psychic phenomena 
an index to the character and intelligence of the medium 
through whom they are obtained. 

Thus do the communications which follow, speak the 
merit of the messengers through whom they were received, 
although they are not presented for the purpose of earning 
either praise or criticism, but rather for their preservation, 
that in years to come, should the light of our faith 
burn but dimly and counterfeit phenomena seem to 
strip from our treasured philosophy much of its dignity 
and lofty aim, we may turn with grateful hearts to this 
little book, and feel the same unquestioning confidence, 
the same fearlessness of purpose as that of our beloved 
kinsfolk through whose constant and conscientious effort 
these messages were received. 

We do not expect they will speak the blessing to- 
others, they do to us, but there is good in them for alL 
It is when we know our necessity that the heart cries out, 
and these messages (enabling us to ever feel the nearness 
of our vanished loved ones), have been a tonic to our lives. 
They have been like the grateful shade of a mighty tree 
on the heated plains. They have borne us through tem- 
pests of grief out into the great calm. And as they have 
done unto us, so may they do unto you— nourish and 
strengthen the comforting faith of Man's Immortality, 
and Eternal Progression! 

H. N. C, 



Un flfcemoriam. 




"Everyone according to the gift which bounteous Na- 
ture hath in him closed." —Shakespeare. 



EARLY eighty-five years ago there dwelt, on a 
farm near Rushford, New York, one John 
Hammond, a bachelor of thirty summers— a 
most sedate age in those days of early marriages! When 
Eliza Butterfield, the staid and industrious young woman 
of fifteen years, (accomplished on the spinning-wheel and 
hand-loom, and in the feminine art of housekeeping) came 
to his hermitage to do for a meed, a bit of spinning, to- 
gether they wove the matrimonial robe which they were 
destined to wear for fifty busy fleeting years. 

There was no hint of race suicide in those days of 
large families, and John and Eliza reared ten children 
to honest industrious God-fearing manhood and woman- 
hood. Of these a daughter, Thankful Caroline, began her 
earth-life on June fifth, 1836. 

As if born to teach us how to bear life-long affliction 
courageously, she met her first foe to physical ease in the 
golden days of babyhood. Her father, during a business 
trip to a neighboring state, suffered from a severe attack 
of inflammation of the eyes, and on his return home, not 
realizing it was epidemic, failed to isolate himself from 
his family till his complete recovery. The unfortunate 
result was that every member from eldest to youngest suf- 
fered in turn. All recovered, however, save the infant 
Thankful. The frail blossom of babyhood was too fair and 
tender to throw off the blighting touch, and ever afterward 
her eyes, which should have been her faithful servants, 
clearest mirrors of her soul, were constant sources of pain 
and self-sacrifice to her. Her constant and characteristic 



attitude in her maturer years— the attitude in which she 
is ever pictured in our memory— had its beginning in her 
childhood days when the little head with its brown silken 
tresses was pathetically bowed to shield her sensitive eyes 
from the garish light. Her play hours must ever be spent 
in shadowy places, in dim twilight corners. 

With an unusual aptitude for learning and a hunger 
for study, she was unable as she grew older, to obey the 
necessarily cruel injunction to give absolute rest to her 
eyes, and in their moments of ease, she would steal up to 
her chamber, book in hand, creep softly under the bed— 
her favorite reading place— and with the treasured volume 
slipped under the valance out into the light, herself in 
darkness, she would happily read and study the hours 
away. Her favorite book was the great family Bible, its 
large print affording her friendly entertainment and in- 
struction even when her sight was most imperfect. 

Considering the degree of scholarship she attained 
(a degree much higher than was usual in those days) not- 
withstanding the obstacles in the way of her education 
one cannot help wondering to what heights she might have 
climbed under favorable conditions. As it was, she per- 
severed in her studies and entered the high school. Being 
a natural mathematician and fond of that study, she 
passed from algebra to the higher mathematics, geometry 
and trigonometry, with surprising ease. She had, also, a 
broad knowledge of literature, her father being a man of 
letters and one to whom books and newspapers were a 
necessity whatever economies must be practiced. 

Her great love for poetry was manifested even in her 
early childhood, by the pleasure she found in memorizing 
verses. Byron, Scott, Pope and Burns were her favorites; 
and in her latter days even after her martydom of suffer- 
ing, she could still repeat much of the "Lady of the Lake." 
Pope's "Essay on Man" and page upon page of Byron, 
besides verses from the pens of many other poets. 



IT was while the child Thankful was yet a little maid that 
that part of the country was electrified by the "Roch- 
ester Knoekings. ' '* 

Excitement and curiosity ran highland when the al- 
leged spirits declared that the phenomena need not be con- 
fined to the Fox Sisters alone, there were few families in 
that vicinity who did not woo mediumship by holding 
weekly seances in darkened rooms, religiously awaiting 
results. It was so in the Hammond family, and after a 
time Ruth (an elder sister of Thankful 's) and Lyman 
Sibley, the husband of another sister, (Mary) could, by 
sitting together, receive communications by means of 
' ' table-tipping. ' '** 

About this time the family removed to Pennsylvania, 
and interest in the singular phenomena smouldered some- 
what owing both to the change of location, and to the fact 
of Lyman's and Mary's removal to another state; but it 
was again fanned into flame by the timely visit of a cousin, 
Lodencia Scott, (mother of the renowned Mrs. Cora L. V. 
Richmond) who was herself a medium. During her stay, 
the family, together with a few neighbors, organized a 
circle, and, after patient waiting, were rewarded by com- 
ing into touch with the invisible through the united 
mediumship of the young maid Thankful, and one Athel- 
ston Gaston, a youth who lived near by— a youth who had 
"come to scoff and remained to pray." 

* Note. — "Rochester Knockings" was the name given the first 
published manifestations of the phenomena of modern Spiritualism, 
through the mediumship of the Fox sisters, at their home near Roch- 
ester, New York. 

** Note. — It was a most laborious process. A small round stand 
with a plate under one of its three legs, would rythmically vibrate 
back and founh while the alphabet v. as being repeated over and over 
again. As the desired letter was named the table foot would give 
three short successive taps on the plate beneath it, and pencil in 
hand, some one of the members of the circle jotted down each letter 
as it came. In this manner the messages contained in this little book 
were all received, save those of Sarah Wycoff. 



6 

"Rose of the Wilderness"* the guiding spirits named 
this circle of faithful souls, and letter by letter, were 
rapped out these beautiful messages of love, of faith, of 
charity, of lessons in noble living, of hope beyond the 
grave ! 



IT was about this time that the sweetest of influences 
came into their lives. In the family circles Thankful 
would become entranced, and after a few moments of 
silent waiting it seemed to them that some mysterious 
Force— a Force quite separate and distinct from herself— 
had taken possession of her, and was trying to address 
them through her physical organism. These efforts to 
speak proved unavailing, however, and were finally dis- 
continued for some unknown reason,** but soon afterwards 
there unfolded before their wondering eyes, a most re- 
markable phase of this singular phenomena. 

Wholly unconscious she was! How different her per- 
sonality from that of her usual self! The serious-faced 
girl who habitually sat with bowed head, or soft cheek 
resting on her slender hand, when under this mysterious 
Influence held her head erect; her dim eyes met the light 
unflinchingly; her lips parted in a happy smile; and her 
whole face radiant with animation and gladness, the while 
her deft fingers formed with incredible swiftness a series 
of signs or symbols, which for a time, seemed to defy in- 
terpretation, and mock at the eager hearts of the little 



* Note. — This name was peculiarly applicable, as the Hammond 
family was the only one within a radius of hundreds of miles who had 
any interest in Spiritualism or had openly continued its investigations 
despite the growing unpopularity of the new philosophy. 

** Note. — They afterwards learned it was doubtless owing to 
the unfamiilarity of the controlling spirit, (Sarah WycofF) with the 



organs of speech. 



band of Seekers after Truth— Truth in whatever guise she 
came! 

Happily someone suggested 'ere long, the possibility 
of these signs being letters of the deaf and dumb alpha- 
bet,* and oh! the delight then manifested by the young 
medium— silent after the manner of the mute.** 

"Yes, yes, yes!" her head nodded repeatedly and em- 
phatically; and she seemed overjoyed that at last they 
had guessed her meaning, and she would thus be enabled 
eventually to talk with them; to bring them comfort and 
good cheer. Letter by letter from A to Z she slowly and 
patiently taught the mystified family the significance of 
each and every symbol; but it was the young Athelston 
who became proficient in her voiceless language, and who 
could read her words with the same ease and rapidity with 
which she spelled them. 

The first message received from this controlling spirit 
was by way of introduction. Her name, she told them, 
was Sarah Wycoff. In her earth-life she had been a deaf- 
mute; the daughter of a wealthy merchant in New York, 
that city having been her birthplace and home. Her's had 
been the stirring times of the Revolutionary War and birth 
of the young republic. And after but a fleeting glimpse 
of the beauty and mystery of earthly life and love, she 
had died in the glad sweet morning of her womanhood! 

Her's was a beautiful Influence and a very marked 
one. She was intellectual, poetical and witty— above all 
she was healing balm! As the tide of the years rolled on, 
and sorrow came to the family group, and disheartenment 
and hardships, no consolation so sweet as Sarah's! No 
heart so heavy she could not lighten its burden! No soul 
athirst to whom she could not point the way to the waters 



* The deaf and dumb alphabet was then practically unknown, 
except to those obliged to use it as a means of communication with 
others. 

** Note. — For forty vears she was thus controlled from time to 
time, yet never once, while under this influence did she make an 
articulate sound. 



8 

of Life! She was one of their greatest teachers, and her 
coming was ever greeted with enthusiasm, not only be- 
cause her words were always especially adapted to their 
needs, but because her mode of communicating was more 
speedy and satisfactory, and far less fatiguing both to 
medium and members of the circle. 



THE close union of these young mediums, Athelston and 
Thankful, in things spiritual, naturally led to a cor- 
respondingly close union in things temporal. He was 
young, untried in the world of commerce, and possessed 
nothing save a fair name, integrity of purpose, a stout 
heart, and ready willing hands. No hint of what the 
future held for him. No faintest shadow of the financial 
success and political honors which were to crown him in 
after years! Yet the young god, Cupid, was as blind (or 
as far-seeing) then as now, and the maid of his choice 
trustingly gave her life into his keeping, and together they 
builded their own home-nest— their humble Alabama!* 

One child came to bless them,— a wee girl who brought 
with her, from out the vast Unknown, the precious gift 
of Parenthood, and silently laid it at their feet. For 
three short years was she given them in sacred trust; then 
the silent winged Messenger bore her spirit back to the 
Hand that gave. Oh that tiny, tiny form ! Temple of their 
Baby- Alma's living soul! Shrine whereat they wor- 
shiped ! What though it be taken from their clinging arms 
and placed in the lap of the royal mother— Earth? The 
priceless Gift she brought them, yet is theirs. It is fade- 
less, incorruptible, undying! Never can it be withdrawn; 
Throughout Eternity shall it be theirs! 

It was to their knowledge of Spiritualism, born of 

* Alabama : "Here we rest." 



9 

their own mediumship, they turned for consolation. They, 
together with their whole family connection, had at times 
borne both ridicule and ostracism* in its cause; but their 
reward was ever sure. It was Light to them in darker 
hours; smiling Hope in discouragement; Comfort in be- 
reavement ; and in the first bitter days of this, their great- 
est sorrow, it did not fail them. As the years glided by, 
Alma, their only beloveci child, did not become to them 
a mere sacred memory— a bright star illumining the deep, 
deep Past!— but remained instead a sweet reality. Their 
souls, attuned to voices not heard by duller ears, received 
assurances of her continued existence; of her growth and 
development: were told from time to time of her interests 
and aspirations. They could often feel her presence too, 
and always, the mantle of her love enfolded them! 

Soon after Alma's death Mr. and Mrs. Gaston turned 
their faces hopefully toward the West. He did his farm- 
work; she with the assistance of her mother, attended to 
her household affairs, and taught the district school. Yet 
ever during those work-laden years, far removed as they 
were from former ties, in the solitude of their prairie 
home, they faithfully set aside a night each week for soli- 
tary communion with loved ones in the realm of Spirit. 
How sadly was the family circle broken! Grandfather 
Hammond and three daughters Elizabeth, Ruth and 
Lucretia, were no longer of this world, and the remaining 
members of the family were widely scattered; all having 
married and settled in homes of their own. 

* The phenomena of modern Spiritualism was at first received 
with interest and enthusiasm by the churches and their leaders as it 
was proof positive of immortality. In those days, however, the 
theology of the Evangelical churches was vastly different from that of 
today, and when this mysterious Force began to preach progression 
after death; that not faith alone could save, but good works as well; 
that Heaven and Hell were conditions, not localities; that Deity was 
an all-merciful all-forgiving Father, not a vengeful Being with the 
limitations and weaknesses of the children He had created; it was a 
philosophy, they were then unable to comprehend, and unwilling to 
receive. They forthwith ceased all investigations and denounced it 
from the pulpits. This was the beginning of a prejudice which has 
at times resulted in the persecution of mediums and ostracism of its 
adherents. 



10 

In time they drifted back to Pennsylvania where Mr. 
Gaston forsook farming and engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness; cautiously at first, but confidently later, when suc- 
cess crowned his every effort. After several changes of 
location they finally chose Meadville as their permanent 
home. He became mayor of that city and served two 
terms, a period covering four years, and was later elected 
to Congress. 

For some time he had been interested in the Cassa- 
daga Lake Free Association (the " Chautauqua " of the 
Spiritualists) the assembly grounds of which were located 
at Lily Dale, New York. After serving several years on 
the Board of Management, he was finally chosen as its 
Chief Executor— an office which he held for eighteen years. 
The Camp was then in its infancy, and under his wise 
and generous leadership, became the "flower" of all simi- 
lar assemblies. 



IN the meantime, Mrs. Gaston beloved and tenderly cared 
for in her beautiful home, was over-shadowed by the 
most terrible affliction. At the first indication of her trou- 
ble physicians whom she consulted were united in declar- 
ing a surgical operation necessary, as, under existing con- 
ditions sudden death was imminent; and at the longest, 
she could not hope to live more than five years. Their 
invisible friends, however, protested against the use of the 
knife, consequently Inclination strengthened by Faith de- 
cided them in their course. 

For more than twenty years, to the amazement of the 
medical profession, to the amazement of all who knew her, 
this remarkable woman courageously battled for life, for 
health, yes, even for pleasure! Never acknowledging the 
existence of an alien growth which must one day conquer 
her indomitable will; always ignoring pain; ever replying 



11 

"I am well" to all inquiries; she sought diversion by- 
means of much company; traveling with her husband or 
others; interested herself in sight seeing, so far as her 
sensitive eyes and limited sight would permit; and kept 
her whole physical condition secondary to her strong men- 
tality, although the discomfort attendant upon this con- 
stantly increasing growth hampered her in walking, 
wearied her in sitting, and weighted heavily even her 
sleeping hours. 

One day, while being driven to the home of her foster 
daughter in company with a niece who lived with her, she 
suffered a stroke of paralysis. After the first shock, she 
rallied, and bravely renewed her battle for life. For more 
than seven years she sat in her wheeled chair unable to 
so much as change her position unaided, yet she seldom 
alluded to her pain or weariness. With an indulgent hus- 
band, faithful attendants and kindred, and many sympa- 
thizing friends, there were none who could rescue her 
from the resistless current of Disease which was merciless- 
ly bearing her away from their sight. During her last 
hours her suffering was excruciating; yet her marvellous 
silence in regard to her pain was broken only when her 
spirit was too near the Border-land to continue its control 
over her physical being; and then— ah then! it was not 
to us she cried aloud in her agony, but to those invisible 
to us who were awaiting her birth into that other life.* 

On October fourth, nineteen hundred, three, as the first 
rays of dawn awoke a silent, sleeping world, her spirit 
freed from its pain-racked imprisonment, peacefully as- 
cended to its long Home! 

Helen N. Connor. 



me 



* "I am ready, father; I want so to go! Why don't you take 
? " were her last words. 



There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, 
Than are dreamed of in your philosophy. 

—Shakespeare. 



MESSAGES FROM 

JOHN AND ELIZA HAMMOND 

AND THEIR CHILDREN 

Nelson, Ruth, Libbie and Lucretia. 

ALSO 

THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF THEIR SON 

BENTON 

In passing from earth to spirit-life by accidental and 
instantaneous death. 



Borne on the viewless breath of Inspiration, we 
come, laden with Love and Old-Time Remembrance, 
to tell you of Life beyond the Shadows of Time! 



^| I EATH had a bitter sting for me. It was leav- 

I ing my family. All the burden falls on 

c ^fc > ^, ^^^ Gene. I want to send the boys some 

advice when I can. Tell Father I shall be here to meet 

him when he comes. 

Nelson Hammond. 
November twenty-second, eighteen hundred, sixty-four. 



MY dear wife and children: I am ever mindful of the 
many loving thoughts and anxious desires you have all 
felt to hear from me since my release from my old body. 
I can give you no earthly advice that is worthy of much 
weight. I feel as much interest in your prosperity, as ever 
I did, but my mind is engrossed in my new-found life. 
I can give you but little satisfaction beyond protestations 
of eternal remembrance. Your father, 

John Hammond. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-seven. 



MY dear children : Through the kind favor of higher in- 
telligences, I am permitted to address you, and I 
sincerely hope we may all profit by these brief seasons of 
communion. I see no reason why you should not all be 
happy in the enjoyment of health and plenty in a rising 
country. Do the best your hands find to do, but at all 
events do something, and when employed rest content in 



16 

the noble and self-sustaining consciousness of an integrity 
of purpose. 

Be on the alert for opportunities that will come 
in the course of time, and above all things, try to 
make your mother as comfortable and happy as is con- 
sistent, and your circumstances will permit, and surely 
you will have your reward. "Blessed are the poor in 
spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ' ' Leaving with 
you a father's blessing. I will withdraw for the present. 

John Hammond. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-seven. 



DEAR Flora: I can give little but an echo across the 
dim chasm of years. 

We are ever nearing the goal, where we may all meet 
as in the olden time; and when we again clasp welcoming 
hands, the night of separation and physical death will melt 
away like the memory of a troubled dream. 

You have treasure here which will surprise you, in 
your child which has grown to womanhood unknown to 
you. It is good to have an angel -child in your flock; I 
was grateful for mine, when a lone stranger in the land of 
Spirit. 

Now my children, study and cultivate the spiritual, 
that the change called "Death" may not surprise you, 
when it loosens the cord of physical life, and leaves you 
free for broader unfoldment. 

I can give you no conclusive proof of my presence or 
identity. Only let my spirit whisper to yours, that I 
am really,— 

Thy Father, as of Old, 

Nelson Hammond. 

De Alton is with me. 



17 

FORTH from the dismal void beyond the tomb there 
rises a tangible and eternal home, whose attributes are 
adaptation, knowledge and progress. An active, spiritual 
faith may fill up this rough outline with as much of light 
and beauty as their spiritual conceptions are capable of 
conceiving, and yet fall far short of the reality. 

When will faith become actual knowledge? When 
death is lost in everlasting life; when mortality is cast off 
and immortality put on. 

John Hammond. 



YES I will communicate, I will speak volumes to your 
listening spirit if I have the power. I will tell you 
of my happy home beyond the dark vale of mortality and 
the many things you want so much to know. 

I have met and rendered timely aid to the dear friend 
whose fate was so much of a mystery. Were it for no 
other reason I could not regret my early departure from 
earth. I have also seen another, whose memory is dear 
to you and who does not forget. 

I felt like one born into new life and beauty when I 
awoke that eventful day and found my identical self be- 
yond the river ; and without a lingering regret at my abrupt 
departure, I took up my new life* with a glad song of joy 
and thanksgiving. 

Genie** is my entire charge. He is the same bright, 
happy child as his brief earth life always pictured. Here 
he is a reality, there he was a fleeting sunbeam. Here he 
is undying; there he was torn by physical pain. It is 
hard to be separated, but faith makes bright the future 
glorious meeting which awaits you all. 

Libbie. 

* Sarah once said Libbie was the happiest new-born Spirit she 
had ever seen. Libbie seemed never to have had a regret for her 
earth-life. 

**Eugene, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Nichols. 



w 



18 

HEN the central sun, which lights the whole vast 
spiritual universe, shines directly over our circle, 
we all repair to the Mount of Instruction as it is called. It 
is many times larger than the earth. But I will not attempt 
to describe it, for you cannot imagine anything of its 
beauties. There we are met by many great, wise and 
good spirits, who, having progressed on far above us, re- 
turn to teach and bring us gifts from their homes which 
we have never seen. They give us instruction in every 
department of nature or science as you call it. 

We do not study from books, but we look at the revo- 
lution of God's infinite creation and they explain all they 
know of the cause and effect. For example, if one desires 
to study music, he soon learns that to understand harmony 
well, he must study all nature. So closely linked are all 
the laws of science, that we cannot learn one separate law 
without a knowledge of the whole. 

When our guardians leave us, we go forth on various 
missions. Some, (and among these I am included) go 
down among lower spirits to teach them what has just 
been taught to us. We carry our gifts to show them, and 
in this way they, too, catch a glimpse of the purer spheres. 

Ruth E. Hammond. 



WE are here, (which means within speaking distance), 
and now for a speech! 

I was with you positively in the past; I am with you 
comparatively for the present; and I hope to be with you 
superlatively in the future. (You know I am a "right 
smart" scholar, I have made so fine a beginning). 

Now I will tell you about our good folks at home. 
Father is my father still, though not as you knew him last. 
Youth and age are harmoniously blended in his noble face. 
His hair is abundant and brown. He is our counsellor and 



19 
companion— all that you, who knew him on earth, might 
fancy and yet more. 

Lucretia shows the advancement due to her earlier 
birth into spiritual life, though she is not so free as Ruth. 
Her child binds her to earth. Do not forget, for her 
sake, my brothers and sisters, the close tie of consanguinity. 

Lebbie. 



HANNAH : Mother : I feel far away from earth and the 
scenes of my brief life upon it ; yet near, supremely 
near to your spirits, and would fain send a faint echo 
across the dim chasm of years which intervenes between 
us. But when we meet over here, the pause will dispel, 
like darkness before the morning. 

Lucretia. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-nine. 



WILL you invite us to your Christmas feast? We can 
enter, unbidden guests, and take a snuff of the goodies 
and you dull fellows will never miss what we take, any more 
than you miss the honey from the flower, which the little 
bee has extracted. Would it not be a holiday indeed if 
we could meet and enjoy an interchange of memories and 
experiences, both earthly and spiritual? We shall all be 
present, an unbroken family of invisible spirits. 

Then appreciate as you ought the presence of those who 
are still visible to your outward senses, for their forms are 
fleeting as the summer sunshine; and you weep afresh 
•over the new void in the physical world, and prize the 



20 

parted blessing more forcibly when it can return no more. 

Libbie. 
Received the night before Christmas, eighteen hundred, 
seventy-one, at Adamsville, Pa. 



THE old song charms me, the old love warms me and I 
come. No word is fitly spoken. The silence is unbroken, 
yet here I am, my own veritable self! While I see, you sit 
in shade, and I cannot rejoice meeting with you, as I would 
wish. Though near, yet are we separate. 

The scenes which surround me are unknown to you and 
I can only speak to you intelligently of the past, which is 
not pleasant. You all remember enough of me, a moody, 
weary little being, with plenty of pride and ambition; 
with more force than strength. But the old page is turned : 
the new one is better. It is the old tale oft repeated. Phy- 
sical inability rendered my earthly life a failure. Nothing 
remains of it but love and memory. 

Libbie. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy -nine. 



DREARY, frozen, chilling, snow-clad Iowa ! Poor lonely 
trio ! Full well I know how to sympathize with you, for 
the memory of it is to me, a confused medley of chilblains, 
shivers, catastrophies, sloughs and hair-breadth escapes. 
But remember the glorious summer which will soon be be- 
fore you, radiant in its luxuriance, its fresh and beautiful 
coloring. And soon, very soon, will your spirits rise on 
immortal pinions from the stormy scenes, of this ice-bound 



21 

earth to the bright Home above where no false romance 
awaits you, but a life of substantial progress. Love to all. 

Father and Libbie.* 
Iowa. 



MY dear, dear Son: I do come to you today. I know 
it is hard for you to understand how our life in 
spirit can be as real and tangible** as your life on earth. 
It is not only as tangible but more so, as here in 
spirit-life our every thought is reflected so that all others 
can perceive it as well as ourselves. Therefore we can 
hide nothing from each other. 

Yes, dear son, it is more tangible than earth life. 
Your Affectionate Father, 

John Hammond. 



WELL, I have come merely to fill your blank leaf with 
something blanker. My earthly ideas are all spirited 
away and my non compos mind makes poor steerage with no 
brains*** of its own to act upon. But we are all happy and 
contented over here, without any brains, and that is better 
than you are with them. Then look forward and prepare 
for the brainless state! If you know but little when you 
cross over here, you need not be surprised, for you do not 

* John Hammond and daughter Elizabeth. Her messages are 
usually signed "Libbie"; sometimes "Lizzie." 

** In reply to query by Luthan Hammond — "Is spirit-life as 
tangible aud satisfactory as was your earth-life?" 

*** One of the persons present at the .seance had several days- 
previous, in the privacy of her own home made some laughing con- 
jectures as to how spirits were able to think — having no brains. 



22 

store up such a heavy stock of knowledge in your proba- 
tionary state, even though endowed with the priceless gift 
of "brains." 

LlBBIE. 

Eighteen hundred, seventy-nine. 



THE ponderous wheels of Old Father Time move slowly 
forward, and the Star of Hope and Faith shines 
broader and clearer, as I see you drawing nearer the divine 
reunion which awaits us. Believe on ! for faith is the surest 
anchor for the spirit through the dark mental and physi- 
cal sufferings of earthly life. 

Poor Benton will soon return from his western pil- 
grimage, thoroughly disheartened;* and I need not tell 

you to heal and bless, for I know you will Now is 

your golden opportunity to exchange a little earthly 
treasure for a divine and everlasting happiness. Remem- 
ber the choicest blessings come from doing good to others 
—to those less favored by birth-right. 

I have already prolonged my letter beyond the pro- 
scribed limits. With much love, I am as ever 
Your Husband and Father in Spirit, 

John Hammond. 
March, eighteen hundred, eighty. 



* For several successive seasons all of Benton's hard work on 
his western farm had been in vain. The crops were ruined once by 
drought, again by a killing frost, and yet again by grasshoppers. 
The above communication was received shortly before his return to 
Pennsylvania. Several months after his arrival he was killed by the 
falling limb of a tree. 



23 

MY Dear Family : I welcome you all— the in-coming and 
departing generations. 1 am with you still through 
all the varied scenes of life, with all a father's love and 
tenderness, free from earthly parents' anxiety, for I know 
all things are well with each and every one of you. Where 
once the light of faith was faintly shining on my earth- 
bound spirit, now I am blessed with the full sunlight of 
absolute knowledge. Faith in the Supreme Power, that 
shapes even the minutest incidents of every individual life, 
should be the anchor of every human soul. Then cultivate 
faith, and above all foster warm family relations and this 
will sweeten every bitter drop in the cup of human life. 

I am not able to say a tithe of what I would wish. 
I would fill you to overflowing, with thanks for the divine 
beauties of immortal life, the ever increasing glory of mere 
individual existence! 
A father's blessing, 

John Hammond. 
June, eighteen hundred, eighty. 



I TOOK my poor, broken, wounded boy in my arms and I 
will make him whole and will give him rest. "The 
pitcher that was broken* at the fountain" was but brittle 
potter's clay, and shall be exchanged for pure flexible, 
spiritual raiment, that neither time nor accident can sully. 
The cord that was loosed, was but the cord of flesh, but 
the golden cord of love and sympathy is not broken. It 
rises above the "wreck of matter and the crush of worlds." 
Be comforted by faith. Time rights every bitter affliction 
and unites every congenial spirit. More anon. 

May peace brood over your mourning spirits and bind 

* Note. — On the last morning of his earth-life Uncle Benton had 
read aloud to his family the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes. 



24 

like a kind, tender mother. I add my blessing and his. 

John Hammond. 
July twenty -fourth, eighteen hundred, eighty. 



THE waves of death are dark, but the light beyond is 
cheering. The arid, sultry field of physical labor is 
well exchanged for the softer radiance of this better life, as 
axe and saw are laid aside. Yet it would have taken 
many weary blows to have purchased for my family, what 
this one blow gave or will give them.* In this instance fate 
was kind. I now see they need a father's care more than 
any temporal blessing and my cries are for them whom 
fate has robbed of their birthright. I can say no more. 
Benton, (Through the help of others). 



HE will see the light clearer and then see a Father's 
hand outstretched, even in the darkness, to each and 
all. Do not let grief engross you. By cheerful faith you 
may help and strengthen him. 

James Reed. 
July thirty-first. 

* He alluded to his life insurance. 



25 

THE bitterness is past. The light of a new life warms 
and floods my whole being with sunshine and joy. 
Thank God the life of accidents is over. 

Benton. 
August, eighteen hundred, eighty. 



THE spiritual life— the first out-growth of earthly life, 
—is a sickly, slender twig hardly worth the name of 
Immortality, yet here we find Time, Space and Opportunity 
for enlargement of the inner-man as soon as we can draw 
away from the earthly troubles, that bind us to the dear 
ones left behind. I have been trying to look forward and 
around me. There is much that is pleasing and beautiful 
here, but my mind continually reverts to my family on 
earth. This is my one great sorrow. You are now my 
only medium of communication with any and all left be- 
hind. 

Many thanks, and blessings infinite are due to you, 
my more than brother, for the kind feelings manifested 
toward my little family. That is the only way Love can 
reach me now. 

Mother, I am not unmindful of your love, your grief 
nor your feeble state of health. I know it now better than 
I did before. We will all see the good of our trials, in 
the sweet bye and bye. 

T. B. Hammond. 
September, eighteen hundred, eighty. 



THE light of spirit life is clearing away the dark mists 
of my earthly career, and I begin to see, with a spirit 
freed from the damp miasma of earthly misfortune. I am 



26 

happy in a clearer vision than my earth-life ever gave. I 
can rest my children in the provident arms of the infinite 
Spirit from whence they sprung, their Father from the 
beginning, while my fatherhood was but accidental,— mo- 
mentary. I know that sometime, in the beautiful future, 
there will be a grand re-union, and my kind Parent will 
give me back my own jewels, reset in never-fading radiance 
and shining in immortal beauty. 



Benton. 



October, eighteen hundred, eighty. 



THE darkness of doubt is fast passing away from the 
minds of earth's children and the pure light of 
faith is filling earth's atmosphere with resignation, peace 
and love. 

Good Night. 



YOU spoke of hearing from me. I respond with much 
joy in the assurance of kind regard breathed forth 
in that wish. I mean to give you a sketch of my peculiar 
exit from the body and entrance into spirit-life for I ex- 
perienced some of Alvin Congdon's sensations. 

A violent death, though not painful for the body, is 
very unpleasant for the inner man. But I forbear, for 
I am assured by no lesser personage than your father, that 
Arthur is needed at home.* 

Benton. 
January seventeenth, eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 

*Note.— Arthur (A. B. Gaston) hurriedly left for home. There 
he learned that his infant son had been taken ill during his absence. 




" The soul, immortal substance to remain conscious of jov, and capable of pain." 

—Prior. 

Experience of XL, B. Ibammono 

In Passing from Earth to Spirit-Life by Accidental and 
Instantaneous Death. 



HASTY or violent death is neither physically 
nor spiritually beautiful, yet the divine gift 
of immortal life raises the spirit above 
the reach of the ugliest wreck which the elements of nature 
can invent. 

"Feel the blow? He never knew what hurt him!" is 
oft repeated above the inanimate form thus bereft of 
spiritual life, and, were the body all of the man, this would 
probably be correct ; but as the real man dwelling in the 
body, suddenly finds his physical habitation crumbling, 
he is painfully conscious of the mighty change. As the 
water from a fountain is suddenly shaken into a million 
tiny drops, and each individual drop reflects the same ray 
of light and multiplies it a myriad times, so was my spirit 
broken; and the terrible image of that death reflected in 
each minute particle of my being. Each drop of the brain, 
so to speak, represented a part of my spiritual life, in 
which the death was mirrored forth, as perfectly as a sun- 
beam in a drop of dew. Do you think now I knew what 
hurt me? 

More again, I can speak no more on this theme to- 
night! Next time I will speak of life after I was gathered 
together: saved from darkness. 

T. B. H. 
January twenty -third, eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 
(Continued.) 



Conttnueb. 

^T^ILLED! Collapsed! Struck out! Finished!" was 
* *• the one thought that rang through the aisles of 
my shaken spirit, like many chimes from the knell of des- 
tiny. When confusion grew faint and yielded her scepter 
to the universal law of peace and order, another thought 
stole in and said: "Where am I"? How did it all happen? 
Then for the first time in all my life I looked around with 
spiritual vision. 

"What did you see?" you will say. Only my own 
body extended lifeless upon the ground, ragged, soiled and 
broken! For the moment I felt an infinite pity for the 
forsaken clod. "Poor wretch, you have been kicked down 
the last step, now rest, for you are free from the restless 
spirit that prompted all your misfortunes ! ' ' 

I actually shed the first tears that fell over its fate, 
then closed my eyes to the sad picture. It was no longer 
any part of me and I looked upon it as some foreign 
substance. I had now no power of volition. I could not 
will to see or know anything. I tossed upon the restless 
sea of immortal consciousness without wish or thought for 
the future. All longing was for the fabled stream of 
Lethe, where I might sink and banish thought forever. 

Suddenly a voice, strangely familiar, sounded low and 
sweet before me. The words were, "Blessed, thrice blessed 
is the heir of immortal life, for its joys are sure and stead- 
fast. " Immediately I was a boy again, for it was Lucre- 
tia's voice; and her face, calm and smiling, was before me. 

' ' Look before you, not behind. Light is here. Father 
is here. Home is here. Eeality is here. The fruition of 
every pure aspiration is found here and the solution of 
every human mystery. The beacon light is ahead, come 
forward ! ' ' 



29 

I LOOKED, I gazed bewildered through what seemed a 
long vista of wavering, glimmering objects. I dis- 
tinctly saw light, warmth and a cheerful scene in the dis- 
tance, but, trying to gather my weak spiritual powers into 
thought, I gasped: "I have lost my jewels! I cannot go 
that way for I left them! I must go back,— back into dark- 
ness and storm, for I left them uncared for. I did not 
love them enough when I was with them, and I must not 
leave them!" You see, the human was stronger than the 
spiritual within me; and with all my former obstinacy, I 
persisted in going in the wrong direction. 

Now, do not imagine that I still remain unpersuaded 
to be a spirit instead of a mortal man, for stern facts 
are more stubborn than fiction. I would still like to be 
back, but I am across, nolens volens, so I tip my hat, spell 
good night, step down and out. 

March sixth, eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 



Conclufceb, 

AFTER many devious stumblings through the dark 
regions of doubt and despair, my storm-tossed spirit 
came out into the light or perception of a new scene. It 
was not belonging purely to either sphere, but a blending 
of the two, as death is the door upon the threshold of which 
my spirit still stood, no longer dwelling in the lower and 
repudiating the higher. I looked and saw, first a crowd of 
people. Conspicuous to my vision was my father, {our 
father) and all the rest of the dear departed friends as- 
sembled together. Need I say I was overwhelmed with joy 
and surprise? They all seemed so natural and yet so 
changed ! 

I was so exalted by this new view, that I forgot for 
the time to look back on the other side of the door. Per- 



30 

haps it would have been better had the door been closed, 
for I saw a sad knot of dear earthly faces, gathered around 
—what? An open grave! A polished box stood beside it, 
containing the former husband and father, the mortal arm 
paralyzed— the protector lost; buried from sight beneath 
the summer sky! 

Look on this picture, then on that. Lo, the contrast, 
yet so closely allied! The grave is the dividing point, or 
rather, the link connecting two shifting worlds, each reach- 
ing out in a long line of love and remembrance. 

T. B. Hammond. 



YES, we are "far away" yet very near! Absent and 
then present in the space of a thought! Invisible, 
yet a real, tangible presence; dead yet alive, our ex- 
istence is dual to you and our life a mystery. Aye, all 
life, either earthly or spiritual, is equally mysterious, and 
will be a lesson for eternal Time to unravel. 

I am saddened by my children and their unsettled 
manner of life, but when the ' ' heavens and earth are rolled 
together like a scroll," and time itself is lost in the im- 
measurable firmament of Eternity, then, ah then, it will 
make no difference I suppose! 

T. B. H. 



THE scene which greets me here is a purely domestic 
one, of which I love to claim one happy unit; yet, 
can I justly claim anything earthly? Cut off by fate, I 
have nothing left but the ghostly ashes of a broken, deso- 
late home to contemplate. Yet if the family must be scat- 



31 

tered, I trust, as in the present instance, they may become 
units in the circle where Fate drops them. After all this 
may prove a wise, good ordinance and why should they 
not be all right? 

Young, happy-tempered, docile and affectionate, they 
must surely win a way. For proper unfoldment I will 
trust all to the fullness of , time and to the infinite law 
of Love. , Eternal gratitude to you all. 
From the broken spirit of 

T. B. Hammond. 



MY Dear Wife and Children : I remember you with in- 
visible presence and immortal love and tenderness. 
Your circle looks lonely and broken tonight yet each link 
removed there makes the chain longer across the opposite 
side. Death diminishes the list on one side only to add to 
the other, thus decreasing the attractions of the physical 
world in a two-fold ratio. All are well on this side. The 
glories of the spirit world are immeasurable, and the rich 
gift of immortal life from the Divine Author, a pearl of 
priceless value. 

Benton is happy since he sees his family contented 
and in good condition. He says he is not partial to their 
childhood being passed in Sadsbury, yet thinks it prefer- 
able to continued shifting from place to place. 

Live with the sunlight of a great inheritance bathing 
your aged temples, my dear wife, and let it lend dignity to 
your closing life, and peace and benignity to your ripening 
spirit. Love and smile on all and the sunshine will be re- 
flected back with redoubled radiance into your own spirit. 
I give my loving benediction to you all. Good night. 

John Hammond. 



32 

MY Dear Little Maude : There is a balm in every afflic- 
tion; a joy in every sorrow; a sweet drop in every 
bitter draught. I am glad to see you here tonight. You 
look beautiful to me, your fond father. My first born and 
pride! I surround you with my blessings. Always remem- 
ber me. Try to do what you think I would approve as 
nearly as you can. Ralph is happy, for he is asleep. Re- 
member his father to him. 

Try always to be a kind, elder sister to each of the 
little ones, and you will find many treasures in the in- 
coming life before you. I do not mean gold or silver, but 
something which shines bright when all such dross is for- 
gotten. Now do you know what I mean ? 
Good bye. 

T. B. Hammond. 
February, eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 



TO Maude : Tell Maude her father bids her to think of 
the future, not of the past. Let the memory of her 
parents, as they once were, be sacred, not bitter. I add 
my blessing, but I do not wish to speak to her often for 
fear of clouding her young life. My love is constantly 
around her. Good night and good bye. From her father. 

T. B. Hammond. 



I AM with you tonight, and see my children grown toward 
manhood's and womanhood's estate, and apparently 
doing well. I feel inexpressibly grateful that their life- 
lines have fallen as kindly for them as possible under the 
circumstances. Had I been spared I might have done much 



33 

yet we are all pupils under the supreme laws of life— Ex- 
perience and God's great Universe,— and I have had my 
influence over the sphere of thought which has ordered 
their early lives. 

T. B. Hammond. 
September, eighteen hundred, ninety-three. 



YES Sophia,* we are still one. And shall not the heart 
respond to the head, and shall the head live with- 
out the vital current which flows from the heart? Can a 
body be builded without a spirit? The spirit must have a 
world, or continued life in this world. And I, Nelson, 
am waiting for my dear friend and companion to believe, 
receive, and recognize. I have time. I can wait. 

Horatio Nelson Hammond. 



TO Grandmother: Our home is waiting, be patient 
and hopeful and cheerful, like one just waiting for 
the first through train to bear one safely home. When 
the silent Messenger calls to bring you up higher, I shall 
be just beyond, and our meeting will be more joyful than 
our earthly life ever conceived or dreamed of. 

Strive to make the sunset of life beautiful, lovable and 
holy, in view of the glorious dawning of life immortal. 

John Hammond. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy -eight. 

* Note.— To Sophia, his wife, who was not a believer in Spirit- 
ualism. 



34 

WE are united— your father and mother ! No interven- 
ing years divide; no gray hairs mar; no grave 
yawns between. All that is past! The bitterness that is 
ever found in the last drops of poor suffering human life 
has been tasted, and the bitter portion changed, in the 
twinkling of an eye, to a scene of glory, shining with the 
effulgence of the second (or spiritual) birth. 

With memory strengthened, and youth renewed, we 
meet at will and mutual desire. Our earth-lives are past. 
The scroll is sealed by the angel of physical dissolution; 
and our love, sympathy and memory still remain with you; 
to which we add our immortal blessing. 
Your affectionate father, 

John Hammond. 
June eighteenth, eighteen hundred, eighty-two. 



DEAR Children : I cannot say much, only / am across 
at last and find life here, without the body, a reality. 
No longer a doubt or mystery about it. All is plain to me 
now; and I am glad to be relieved of the weak, worn old 
body, and glad the rest of you are rid of it too. 

I always tried to do the best I could and make no 
trouble, and now I give you all my best wishes and will 
try to help you when your turn comes to suffer and to die. 
It is a hard ordeal to pass, but it is quickly lost when fairly 
over. We are happy together, you know all that! 
Your mother, 

Eliza Hammond. 
June twenty -eighth, eighteen hundred, eighty-two. 



35 

DEATH is only a change from the old life to a better, 
fuller life. It is true, children. I did use to doubt. 
Now I know you are all in the doubting stage. Never 
mind ! you will know in time. Benton is here, but does not 
come to communicate. Says he does not know what is 
best for you. I remember you all my children. 

Eliza Hammond. 
February eleventh, eighteen hundred, eighty-three. 



THESE words and words, and no deeds, do not suit 
me. I always liked deeds better than professions, 
but when you go crosswise of two worlds you cannot carry 
anything back but professions and protestations of your- 
self, about yourself, and your surroundings. That is why 
I do not like to communicate often. It does not seem to 
pay you for your time and trouble. 

I used to get so tired. I do not tire now. I speak to 
tell Sally and the children that I remember them, but I 
can only speak words of cheer; I cannot do as I once did. 
I must leave that for the rest of you. Benton, father, and 
the girls all send love across from our sunny home to 
you,— pale, weary sojourners on the slippery receding 
shores of Time! 

Eliza Hammond. 



1 CANNOT say much. I remember you all with much 
love, and thank you all for your kindness to me in 
sickness and old age. Father is with me. He seems as 
perfectly natural to me as if we had never been parted a 
day, only he seems more as he did when he was younger. 



36 

The children are more changed to me than father is. One 
thing I have found out, young folks change faster here 
than older ones. I like the change from that life to this. 
I had everything to gain and nothing to lose but pain and 
distress ; and I could do nothing for any of you. My earth- 
ly work is done, I guess, for I cannot do much at this stand- 
tipping. 

Eliza Hammond. 



I AM with you often; not so much as formerly, yet have 
by no means forgotten my friends on earth; and I 
welcome with ever-increasing pleasure each one as he comes 
across. As the band diminishes there, I see it increase 
here; and soon expect to see the Reaper bring you all in, 
ripe and sound; for Time has planted many furrows in 
your brow, and gray hairs multiply, giving many proofs 
of the ingathering which shall come with that " happy 
day/' that glorious awakening to a fuller, purer life. 

John Hammond. 



I DO not come on "the wings of the morning/'' but on 
the darker shades of the night. It is a question whether 
I yet belong to the "angel band" the old song proclaims. 
I know nothing about "the arms of God" yet, or any of 
the "Heavenly host," that "angels" are supposed to un- 
derstand, but I remember and love the old time-worn 



37 

melody, that my feeble voice once joined in, striving to 
call down the "good angels." 

Well, you all know my identity! I am thrice glad to 
meet you here. Many, many of the dear ones are here if 
you could but see with a spiritual vision. They are ' ' faces 
you do not see" yet you shall see us "more." Faith and 
myself join in the assurance. I might tell you who is here, 
but will leave it for faith to complete, as Thelston is tired. 

"Brother rest. Labor, be at rest. Grief, let not thy 
voice be heard." Pain is the expression of inharmony of 
body or mind. 

Query: If you cannot give us the names will you tell 
us how many of our friends are present? 

Answer: Will I number the stars or commence at the 
third foot of this wavering stand and count upwards the 
links of a never ending chain that leads upward, nobody 
knows where? Take Sarah, Ephraim and me for the lower 
link, the link that swings the foot. Rest again. 

Libbie. 



HOW are you old, old women? I hardly knew your 
faces, they are so ' ' winkled and wunkled. ' '* I have 
not a gray hair! What makes you so old? Are you cross? 
Or care worn? Well, when I have a chance I will help 
smooth them all out ! And ' ' Little Addie ' ' is spirited away* 
I think. She has inherited her father's physical. Love 
and remembrance to all. 

Ruth E. Hammond. 



* Note. — She quotes her brother, Benton (T. B. Hammond) 
who in his childhood greatly feared an old gentleman, because he 
was so "winkled and wunkled." 

** "Little Addie" had grown to middleaged womanhood. 



38 

FROM the flower-crowned heights of the Better Land 
we come, to breathe soft words of love and remem- 
brance. You are all changed since I lived and was in your 
midst; yet in spirit you are the same,— unchangeable! So 
am I. Time, death and birth into spiritual life can work 
no rapid change in the individual spirit. Time brings 
gradual unfoldment, yet the indwelling identity is for- 
ever the same, unchanged and unchangeable. 

You knew me as " sister Ruth," and though the name 
fell with the external body that gave it birth, yet I am 
essentially the same in spirit, with all the memories of the 
old life still clustering around me; and when I come back 
among you, the old name falls naturally from my un- 
changed spirit, though so long divested of the outer gar- 
ment that bore that honored title. I have never walked 
among literal "palm trees," yet, oh dear! What have I 
done? Or rather what have I not done? Everything, yes 
everything; and alas! nothing that I can tell in the Eng- 
lish language. That is why I cannot write letters to you. 
I remember my native tongue, but I no longer love it; it 
cramps me back to my old original self too much and 
I never was bookish. It's like trying to wear a pair of 
baby shoes. 

Now I know you are glad, happy to excuse me, and 
let me seek my proper element, for I am your loving sister 
Ruth and that love never cramps me, although the letters 
do. Did you not want to hear from me this time? We 
cannot all write with the same pen at once. I really be- 
lieve the last arrivals have crowded me out. You know I 
always would go anywhere "without an invitation." 

Ruth. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty-two. 



39 

WE are always with you, ever faithful, ever sure, al- 
though you do abuse (?) us sometimes. Yet our 
weapons are spiritual and must prevail over the puny arm 
of flesh. Give us time, for time alone must destroy the 
body while it strengthens the spirit. 

Don't think you can put us down, for if the earth 
should be "melted with fervent heat" and the firmament 
of starry suns be "rolled together" like a scorched news- 
paper, still we Will live on unquenched. Don't you dare to 
doubt us because you live in a perishable city, for we dwell 
in a "city not made by hands, eternal in the Heavens." 
"Ears have ye, yet hear not." We are "born again." 
"They that are born of the spirit are spirit." 

Libbie. 



WE come, an invisible presence, drawn by this little 
concourse of earthly friends. A band of fathers, 
mothers, sisters, brothers, children, friends and lost com- 
panions, each bearing an offering of love and good will 
for some loved one left behind in the shadow of time. 
You never think toward us, or yearn for us in vain. We 
always respond, be the number ever so little. We measure 
the earnest desire, the holy aspiration, the pure love and 
faith. All else to us is dross. 

We can only utilize the power we control; only make 
use of such implements as are within our reach. 

John Hammond. 
January twenty-fifth, eighteen hundred, eighty-five. 



M 



40 

Y Dear Children : Again we come from the highlands 
of our second life to clasp hands with you across 
the boundary of spiritual and material life. 

"What may I do ? I would strengthen your faith, touch 
your waning earthly love with a spark from the altar of 
eternal Love and make your life glow with that divinity 
which is your birth-right. 

I am your father still, though suns, centuries and 
worlds should intervene. 

John Hammond. 
June twenty-sixth, eighteen hundred, eighty-seven. 



Immortality o'er sweeps 

All pains, all tears, all time, all fears— and peals 

Like the eternal thunders of the deep 

Into my ears this Truth— Thou livs't for ever! 

—Byron. 



MESSAGES FROM 

EDMUND AND PHYLINDA GASTON 

AND THEIR CHILDREN 

Imogene and Ephraim 

ALSO 
THE EXPERIENCE OP EPHRAIM 

In passing from earth to spirit-life. 



THDle Come Wot from jEtbereal tomes* 

We come not from ethereal homes 

Which fancy shapeless rears; 
But from the near unfading domes 

In wisdom's shining spheres. 

We come not from the silent mound 

Beneath the marble urn; 
But with immortal being crowned, 

From realms of light return. 

We come not at the trumpet note, 
Nor deep toned organ's high refrain, 

But near the loving soul we float 
Drawn by attractions golden chain. 

We come not 'neath the stately spire, 
Where earth taught clergy con the page 

O'er which they labor to confer 

New life to truths grown dull with age. 

But inspirations child we seek 

And whisper truths unknown before, 

And kindle up the glowing cheek 

With sparks from wisdom's untaught lore. 

Imogene Gaston. 




HERE is a deep unfathomed fountain of inspira- 
tion within every soul, whose pure and effulgent 
waters attract and reflect the divine rays of 
Truth and Wisdom and will, ultimately, flood the spirit in 
a halo of holy light. 

Imogene. 



LOVE and good will toward all men sweeten every 
bitter drop in the cup of human life. Cheerfulness 
promotes health, spiritually and physically. Smiles are 
the sunlight of Heaven. Heaven is not a place but a con- 
dition. It may be here as well as elsewhere. If not within 
your own souls it is not anywhere. 

Query: Do not the surroundings have an influence 
upon the spirit ? 

Answer: In some degree, but the soul (or spirit) is the 
centre of all conditions, just as each sun forms the centre 
of its own solar system and gives light and coloring to the 
planets that revolve around it. 

Imogene. 



^•^■HARITY suffereth long and is kind." By this is 

v^ meant that broad, universal Love which looks with 

pitying eye o'er all the unhappy passions of inharmonious 

man. Remembering then how much suffering must be 



45 

borne before the wrong is overcome, strive to subdue all 
rebellious feelings. 

I. G. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



WE are here ; happy, joyful to greet you home again, 
yet we do not forget to pity each sorrow and strive 
to soothe each separate sadness. There is a balm for all 
human weakness. The world is bright and beautiful. 
Jewels of love and kindness are scattered all around you. 
If you will open your spirits to the benign influence, all 
may be well with each and all of yon 

I. G. 



ON the happy festal days when you meet in the social 
circle to enjoy the dear intercourse of kindred, re- 
member there is another invisible circle hovering around 
rejoicing in your every joy, and sorrowing over every cloud 
that darkens your spiritual horizon. That band is com- 
posed of the dear departed ones. A father, a mother, a 
daughter and sisters would unite on this holy day to greet 
you with a renewal of love, thus drawing you nearer the 
realm of spirit, where we may all be united— an unbroken 
family in the beautiful home above! 

Imogene. 



THERE is no period of time when the spirit of man 
is so inaccessible to spiritual influx, as during the 
first bitterness of grief at the loss (by death) of a dearly 



46 

loved friend. The spirit seems to sink, stultified for a 
season, within a gloomy void, where its own divine char- 
acter in sacred, silent communion with the indwelling God 
of the universe, is forced to seek consolation from its own 
interior Being. It finally emerges from the darkness of 
sorrow, purified and resigned; thus fully prepared to re- 
ceive intelligence from the higher world. 

Thus, my friends, would I bring you joyful tidings in 
the morning which succeeds the night of darkness, from 
the dear spirit* so recently released from the shores of 
Time. She is as happy a new-born spirit as ever I knew. 
Many of her little foibles sprang from a weak physical 
condition from which she is now entirely released. She 
has no regrets for her departure. Simply says had she 
been warned of the change that occurred, she would have 
visited you all. You will soon hear from her personally. 
Good night. 

Imogene. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-seven. 



MY Dear Friends : The pleasures of the spirit are sub- 
tle and fill the entire being. In man's transitory 
life, easily thrown off the balance, a false wordy thought, 
or idea, often mars the spirit's harmony. I would fain 
give you a precious pearl from the store-house of wisdom; 
but I can only point them out. It is for you to sow and 
garner and reap the reward of your own labor and dili- 
gence. 

Do not get discouraged and faint by the wayside. 
The journey of life is often toilsome, but it is only through 
mortal life that the crown of immortality is attained — 
that boon to which all nature is aspiring. There is a rich 

* Libbie Hammond, who died very suddenly of heart failure. 



47 

(reward for the lowliest laborer and the most ignorant, if 
honest, in the bright scenes of immortal life. I speak of 
what I know by actual experience. ''Straight is the gate 
and narrow the way, that leads to eternal life" and all 
mankind must walk therein. 

Live more for the spiritual and less for the external 
and future generations will reward you. 

Imogene. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-eight. 



BELIEVE on ! we will help you in every season of trial. 
We strive to strengthen the bonds of fraternal affec- 
tion, that, united, you may assist and save each other. Not 
from universal ruin, but simply from many of the little, 
petty ills that destroy so much of human happiness. 

Heaven is not a haven of rest. Neither is it a place 
fitted up for pure spirits. It is simply a condition of har- 
monious love; of perfect trust in the Supreme Power that 
governs the universe; and a well grounded Principle that 
is entirely impervious to every artifice with which tempta- 
tion may seek to stain the spotless robe of the spirit. This 
condition may be attained as well on earth as in spirit-life. 
Strive for it, it is more precious than are earthly treasures. 
Yours in love. 

Imogene. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty -eight. 



THE shifting scenes of time and circumstance bring me 
here again, to speak in behalf of your whilom little 
daughter* now grown to full and complete stature— a tall, 

* Alma, only daughter of Hon. and Mrs. A. Gaston. 



48 

fair maiden with yellow curly hair, that winter winds or 
summer sun has never deepened to a darker shade. She 
sees many other bright-eyed maidens around you and is 
attracted here much by their songs and merry laughter and 
wishes very much to be one among you. At least she wants 
to be remembered. May her memory be a living, unfailing 
source of peace and joy to your trusting, believing souls; 
and make you tender and kind to the young and unde- 
veloped around you. She retains only the color of the 
eyes; the fair, unsullied complexion and tint of hair. All 
else is changed. You would scarcely know her, unless aided 
by spiritual perception, which will certainly be yours, 
when released from the physical. 

Imogene. 



THE happy meeting of friends long separated is a pure 
and fitting emblem of that higher and holier reunion 
of kindred spirits in the eternal home. Knowledge is the 
key that unlocks the human soul and fills it with the genial 
light of a warm and living faith. Then know that I, 
Ephraim H. Gaston, still live and enjoy a real individual- 
ized existence, entirely distinct from all earthly form. / 
can, and do visit and love you; still join in the family 
gathering with even more than my former interest; al- 
though unseen and unheard by your outward senses, yet 
my presence is tangible and felt by you all. 

Ephraim H. Gaston. 
May, eighteen hundred, sixty-seven. 



^\ I EAR B] 



Brother: I am anxious to impart some 
thoughts to you and through your means, 
c --*^ >< — ^ — to the rest of the dear loved ones 
on earth. I feel and appreciate your great desire to 
hear from me and will respond as far as lies in my 
power, but I find this is more difficult than I antici- 
pated. / There are few mediums pure and unselfish enough 
to be reliable messengers for intercommunion; but thanks 
to the kind Father of Light, there are a few noble ones. 
And is not their work a glorious one? » 

Do you desire to know how I feel and am employed? 
I am much happier and better satisfied than when I lived 
on earth. I felt a void for some time because I missed 
my home society ; but now I am employed in improving. I 
feel serene in the knowledge that we shall all be united 
soon, if we keep our affections warm and bright. Love is 
the only bond between spirit and spirit. All others are 
mortal and perish with the body ; this alone is deathless. 

I realized the whole process of dying as I had ever 
desired to do. It was without spiritual suffering, and the 
old body was so worn out by previous pain, that it gave 
way without a struggle. 

When I found myself actually free and looking down 
silently upon my now deserted body, and saw my dear 
friends sorrowing so tenderly around it, oh, how I longed 
to speak to them, that they might know I was still so near ! 
But while I had reached the much desired haven of re- 
pose, I found I could no longer speak to, or even be seen 
by those dearest to me. It seemed so strangely unnatural 
to be so close to them, and yet be wholly powerless and 
unable to communicate with them. There, before me, lay 
the silent form through which I had so lately spoken and 
acted considering it a part of. myself almost. For a mo- 



50 

ment I felt a strong desire to return to it, with all its 
pains, for the sake of speaking to those I loved. 

"This is the bitterness of death; Take me away, I 
cannot bear the scene ! " I cried. In a moment the familiar 
room with its loved occupants had vanished and, for the 
first time, I realized the presence of spiritual beings like 
myself. One near me I knew immediately to be Aunt 
Lucinda by her resemblance to mother. I felt comforted 
by her presence, she seemed so good and loving. Then 
Grandmother Gaston met me with such a smile of welcome 
that I seemed a child again, so fresh did the memory of 
my early days come back to me in her dear face. 

Many others also came to welcome me. Among them 
our spirit sister, Imogene. 

At last a bright, intelligent spirit, whom I felt at 
once to be a superior being, came forward and said: "Is 
there no one else you desire to see?" Then I thought of 
Alma, and there she stood sure enough, looking so natural, 
her head leaning on her little hand and a shy smile on her 
face. She was looking at me from the corner of her eyes, 
just as she used to do. She is a beautiful child and I could 
but wish that I had such a one to meet me here. 

It was a number of days, nearly a week, before I was 
permitted, or even desired to visit the scenes of my home 
life, the parting had indeed been so painful. I felt I had 
passed the boundary where I could no longer associate with 
them; and the thought of seeing them in sorrow, without 
the power of speaking, was dreadful. I derived much com- 
fort and strength when I first visited Arthur and was able 
to draw nearer to him than to the others. Not that I loved 
him more, but the view he took of my death coincided more 
with mine and there is spiritual harmony between us. 
Then, too, he felt my death to be good, rather than evil. 
My spirit derived strength from him and I felt comforted 
and happy within his influence. 

When at last I visited my dear wife and mother— those 
two so closely united to my affections— I felt a real glow 
of tender emotion. When I saw their spirits clothed in the 



51 

shining light of resignation, and yet their love as pure and 
deep as before, I felt a glow of love and joy in their pres- 
ence which I cannot describe. Gustie, not even death can 
separate us, so long as you remain true to my love and 
memory. I am with you much and derive much comfort, 
guarding your foot-steps. I know of your sorrow and 
loneliness, and sympathize earnestly with you, but brighter 
days will dawn for you even while on earth. Will you re- 
member me in joy the same as in sorrow? Our love is 
now the only tie which binds us, and let us keep it pure, 
unsullied and enduring. 

Dear father and mother, I know you will remain un- 
changed. Though you love your other children ever so 
dearly, they will not occupy my place in your affections; 
and I am glad it is so. Trust me, I shall not forget to 
give you a warm return; and when you are done with the 
scenes of earth, I will meet you with joy, beyond the Val- 
ley of Death. 

Ephraim. 
July, eighteen hundred, sixty -four. 



FATHER, Mother, Arthur, Grover and all: I am here, 
just across the narrow way. So near that my im- 
palpable touch may rest upon your unconscious brows; 
happy in your presence yet not without alloy, for you see 
me not. 

I have been learning many of those coveted les- 
sons in wisdom, which my brief, broken, earthly life de- 
nied me. The spirit here revels in an infinite variety -of 
means of improvement,— all he or she is capable of enjoy- 
ing. You must know I am delighted with such a life. It 
exceeds my wildest flights of fancy. 

Aunt Lucinda is one of my dearest friends and teach- 



52 

ers of the Christian virtues, of which she is a shining 
example. Good night. 



Ephraim. 



Eighteen hundred, sixty -nine. 



LIFE has been called a vapor. I would say Physical 
Life is indeed a dark vapor swept away vanquished by 
Death, leaving the real life free and untrammelled. Death 
is not entirely like the infolding of a door to an interior- 
compartment. To me it was more like the exit from a mis- 
erable, rayless old tenement into the free pure air of a 
fair spring morning, yet strange to say, I longed for a 
time to return to it, shattered as it was, for the sake of 
those I loved. 

Time and broader Light however have purified 
my earthly loves, and freed me from all the shackles of" 
the world, where my body was born, suffered and died with- 
out my volition or consent. All that is worthy in me, and 
in my love, lives purified— immortalized ! The rest is swept 
away with the vapor. 

Now do you believe this is Ephriam? If so, it is 
well. If not it is no matter. I have but made a beginning, 
yet it must be my ending for this time. Immortal love 
to all. 

Ephraim. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-nine. 



1LOVE to communicate, yet what can I say that will 
profit you, beyond words of love and remembrance?' 
You know such words grow stale and pointless. I have- 



53 

seen Alvin,* he is not yet quite reconciled to the change. 
He clings to earthly things but will soon be 0. K.* 

Arthur, I am nearer and more dependent upon you 
for strength and comfort, than any other earthly friend. 
Don 't become entirely absorbed in business or family affec- 
tions and fail your spirit brother, thus losing your in- 
fluence in the upper world. Influence is what man strives 
for, you know. 

Ephraim. 

Eighteen hundred, seventy. 



1AM here brother, still rejoicing in your joys, and sor- 
rowing in your sorrows, unless enabled by a broader 
faith to see real good in a seeming evil. All wrong is 
right, not understood. The spiritual view is not a material 
one. The mind when free to act untrammelled, will work 
itself clear of all impurities. Be not absorbed in any tem- 
poral pursuit or pleasure. Strive at all tvmhs to follow 
your highest conceptions of Duty and Bight and you will 
finally rise above all the shafts of malice and the clouds- 
of Material Sense. 

Welcome good mother. Good night 

Ephraim Gaston. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-eight 



MY Brothers: As one I loved you. Love and appre- 
ciate each other while you may. Counsel and 
strengthen one another for the conflict. Life should be 

* Alvin Congdon, whose letters appear later. 

** Ephraim was a telegrapher. O. K. meaning "all right," is a> 
term used by operators. 



54 

something more than a mere pleasant holiday, or a feverish 
grasping after worldly emolument. It should be the birth- 
place of noble, unselfish aspirations and struggle for spirit- 
ual growth. 

Ephraim. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-nine. 



I AM glad you seek me brother Arthur. It helps to make 
me stronger to associate with my earthly friends. I 
may be more advanced spiritually than you are, yet you are 
attaining a strength, by your physical life, that my short, 
blighted earth life can never hope to bring. Strength and 
wisdom combined form powerful concomitant levers for 
pushing us upward and onward. So you see I am not so 
much ahead as you thought. If I can give you spiritual 
knowledge you may give back strength of character by 
longer contact and battling with the forces of the physical 
world. 

E. H. G. 



THE river rolls rapidly onward toward the sea and the 
swift current of your earthly lives will soon bring 
you all with me into the free, open expanse of spirit life. 
I await you still. Though I do not hover around my 
earthly idols so much as formerly, yet I love to visit and 
mark the progress of my old-time companions and early 
loves, none more earnest and steadfast than those formed in 
"boyhood days. And I love to watch you pass the milestones 
that bear you nearer home to Heaven and me. 
I see father and mother much and often. 

E. H. G. 



55 

MY children, I am here. A mother's presence still I 
Though the form I used to wear is yours, (or mine), 
no longer, yet I am among you. Love one another as when 
you were my little children playing around my knee. Live 
worthily. Deal justly and kindly by each and all. Be 
pleasant and friendly to all your neighbors. Try to be 
happy yourselves and you will be sure to impart happi- 
ness to others. 

If I can never manifest my presence satisfactorily dur- 
ing your natural life, it is a consolation that I may meet 
you all at the dawning of spiritual life, just as I met you 
all at the birth of physical life, with love and tenderness. 
That is all. 

My language was broken and imperfect. I meant that 
my spirit was with you often, though my body is gone. 
Your mother, 

Phylinda Gaston. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy -eight. 



DEAR Friends and Children: I am glad to meet 
so many of you here. I hope you may be very happy 
together, and create a friendly, genial, gentle influence, 
that will invite and attract many of each side of life. 

Aunt Eliza, I see and sympathize with you often and 
much. Do you ever think of " Linda?" I was the most 
fortunate in not having to wait the summons so long as 
you. I am pleased that father has gone to see Schuyler. 
It will do them both good. Tell him to go and see Eunice 
some time. 

I will not fatigue you longer with my little nothings. 
If I could read to you a clear title of my spirit-self, you 
would find unbounded love and good wishes for all my 



56 

friends, children, grandchildren dear, and my kind old 
•companion more than all others. Yours, 

Phylinda Gaston. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-nine. 



YES, I am with you all and bless you with a mother's 
blessing. But my words are few; my words are 
weak; and incredulity is strong. False sophistry weaves 
its web of doubt and unbelief around nearly all I would 
reach. What can I do but watch and wait for the uplifting 
of the veil, thin though it is, and breathe a silent blessing ? 
Your living, loving mother, 

Phylinda Gaston. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty. 



THE shady side of life is past and all is clear and plain 
to me now. As I was satisfied with you there so am 
I better satisfied now— more full of joy here with all my 
old-time friends. I want to give you all the evidence I 
am able to cheer you along for we are together— your 
mother and I— parents to you all. 

Edmund W. Gaston. 
January, eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 



ARTHUR: Father wanted to tell you that ' c Donnie" 
knew him— had not forgotten him, and was glad to 
see him. That alone almost made him glad to be here 



57 

instead of there. He says Donnie is prettier now than 
ever. Father and mother both love him so much;— and 
I too, as much as a childless man is capable of loving. I 
still call myself a ''man." All honor to so proud a title f 
Your brother, 

Ephraim. 
January thirtieth, eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 



THELSTON: We come to give you a little word of 
greeting, your father and I. Our home is now here, 
and our interest in life and its changes centers here in 
«mr new and broader sphere; yet we shall never forget 
the little nest of boys and the one girl we left in the life 
behind us— left to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of 
their first estate, then to join us in this higher, holier life, 
the glory of which is beyond comparison in earthly scenes 
or human language. So you see that while earth is fair 
to you, it is dark and uncomely to us, and love alone can 
attract us back over the thorny surface. Yet we do visit 
you all often, I assure you, and love and care for you still. 
Lovingly your spirit parents, 

Phylinda and Edmund Gaston. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 



DEAR Children and Friends: I cannot speak in flow- 
ing sentences, but I am " mother" still and if my 
love and best wishes could bring the coveted blessing, the 
incoming year would shower upon you all, the choicest 
treasures of health and happiness! 

Phylinda Gaston. 



58 

MY Daughter, My Children: I cannot express to you 
how happy we are to see you all together again. 
It will do you all good to meet on the journey of mortal 
life and renew your childish affections. Be united as chil- 
dren even when your hair is white with age. Try to unite 
the simple love and faith of a child with the wisdom of 
riper years. Be harmonious and loving; live faithful and 
true, and, when you are done with time, you may meet 
death in peace, and be happy in the light of Eternity. 
Your loving mother, 

Phylinda Gaston. 



WE come— a shining band from the approaching bor- 
ders of the spirit land. 
We do not change except as all "good folks" should 
change— and that is from good to better. (Now your 
mother smiles and says "They will think we are growing 
self-satisfied!") 

I do feel well satisfied with this side of life. When 
an old man wakes and finds himself suddenly made over — 
young again— he has good cause for praise. Don't you 
think so? 

Love and kind remembrance for all. 

Edmund and Phylinda. 
(We are hardly old enough to be "father" and 
"mother" to such old fellows as you are!) 

January twenty-ninth, eighteen hundred, eighty -two. 



THE light of a beautiful faith, founded on a knowledge 
of continued, unbroken life beyond the dark Valley, 
gilds even the most painful scenes of earth life with a 



59 

golden halo of hope and praise. As the brown earth con- 
tains within its dark, clammy mold, the promise of the 
ever varying verdure of spring, so the crude, barren 
spiritual seance bears the germ of humanity's highest hope 
made a living, certain reality; the mingling of the upper 
and lower life in one. 

Do not be discouraged for we are with you alway, 
and never tire. Our presence is unseen, our joy hidden 
from the physical sense, yet are our spirits filled with joy 
and love unspeakable. Fathers and mothers are here, sis- 
ters, brothers and children, all smiling a happy welcome on 
some loved, earthly face. Why do you not meet oftener? 

I have not much to induce me to return to your muddy 
sphere. It is no longer a home to me, even in name, since 
my worthy progenitors have passed into the skies. I am 

Ephraim. 



CHILDREN, Friends and Neighbors: This would in- 
deed be a happy and glorious meeting if we could 
be seen as we see; if you could know us as we know you; 
but this is not according to nature's design and we must 
all submit. 

I am glad to see so many of you together, but I have 
such dear friends with me where I am and feel such sweet 
pleasure in their society, that I have cut loose from the 
old, earthly bonds, and wait for you here, but do not follow 
you around over your human pathway. When I was human 
I trod the earthly path ; now I am spirit, I have thrown off 
the shackles as unfit for further use. 

Query: Can you not go to the Banner of Light free 
circle and communicate? 

Answer. I do not desire it and could not probably if 
I tried. Imagine a greater crowd than could cover this 
whole earth, if they had bodily presence, and you can 



60 

form only a faint idea of the throng that gathers around a 
public medium. E. W. G. 



THE immortal world, (or the life which is yet to come 
to you), is filled with never-fading beauty. Then 
look forward to the incoming glory, rather than backward 
to lost hope and departed blessings. It is the nature of 
material pleasures to fade and grow pale as youth gives 
way to middle life, yet there should be a divine transfigura- 
tion in the real man; and as the material wanes the spir- 
itual should continually brighten, until old age brings forth 
the new-born spirit into the light of a perfect spiritual 
existence. 

This is from an identity known to you all as Ephraim. 
My earth life has almost faded, swallowed up as a past 
childhood, or state of imbecility. My love fraternal, and 
filial affection alone remain undimmed. 

Ask Arthur if he remembers a conversation we had 
one Sunday in the house in the hollow on a then absorbing 
topic ? What thinks he now of it ? He is not sorry now that 
he heeded my counsel. I will say no more. He will know 
to what I refer. 

(This last proved an excellent personal test to A. B. 
Gaston.) 



BORNE on the electric chain of thought and desire, I 
am here to communicate to you; I whom you knew 
so recently as Ephraim in the flesh, now no longer Ephraim 
in the flesh, but Ephraim in spirit still. Since Arthur so 
earnestly desires it, I will say a few words to him. 



61 

Yes, Arthur, I was present when you were writing, as 
I always am when you are thinking of me and spiritually 
desire my presence, and I have derived much comfort and 
strength from visiting you; I can come into close com- 
munion with you when you are alone and unoccupied with 
worldly pursuits, but your surroundings are repellant to 
my nature, hence I visit you rarely unless alone. The hours 
of physical rest are more favorable to spirit communion 
than the others, and spiritual communications are given 
much more freely at night than during the day. 

I am gradually shaking off the weakness and taint 
which clung to my inner man from its long association 
with physical disease. I feel happy and free, and think 
I am destined to a full realization of my highest aspirations 
for knowledge and all its attendant blessings. You are 
all dearer to me than ever, yet I am growing strong and 
self-reliant, and, with this development, the world and 
my former life recede to give place to the new and more 
beautiful life, which is dawning upon me. 

Ephraim. 



BROTHERS, when I see you striving along the path of 
middle life, moderately successful in its fruition, I 
feel something akin to sadness that I have lost the exper- 
ience of a full, ripe earth life. Appreciate it! When I 
look back over my attainments I feel they are not so full 
as yours may be. The advantage is not all with the early 
death. 

E. H. G. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty. 



. 62 

HUMAN life begins with one single sentiment which is; 
self-love. From this root we see many branches in 
later life, such as parental, fraternal, conjugal and pa- 
ternal love, all springing from self, and more or less selfish 
in their nature. Human or earthly life in the maximum, 
scarce rises even to pure fraternal love; yet all the selfish 
loves must germinate, flourish and die, before the indi- 
vidualized spirit can bring forth an immortal, Universal 
Love, which must at last culminate in Love Divine. 

The lesson designed is this : Strive at least to cultivate 
fraternal love, else all spiritual instruction and communion 
were in vain and without fruit. 

Fraternally yours in spirit, once in flesh. 

E. H. G. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty. 



I AM afar, yet near enough to see, love and remember, 
"What signifies a few days, years or ages, that cirele 
away," as the old Reader says, "to an immortal state for- 
ever limitless?" Does not that thought tire your weaker, 
mortal part,— make your brain reel with its weight? 

It is not wonderful that the mind of man often ignores 
the infinite and endless existence, especially when depend- 
ing entirely upon reason, for no human train can grapple 
and conquer by reason alone. Faith, spiritual perception 
and love must aid in the work, or the mind becomes skep- 
tical. 

E. H. G. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty -one. 



63 

I COME. Am here to meet the expressed wish of one still 
very dear to me. 

I am the same tonight yet greatly changed from that 
other night when my weak, worn spirit was released from 
the sick, dying body and I left you all behind to try new 
scenes in an untried life beyond the physical. The inter- 
vening years have brought changes to you all, yet more to 
me outside, than to you within the mortal. I have dropped 
many of my youthful foibles and replaced them with some- 
thing better, I trust, yet. every pure sentiment I then felt 
and understood, still lives with me bright and imperish- 
able. All of love that was purely spiritual, is treasured as 
a part of my spirit's best possessions. All else perishes 
with the body, as death refines, purifies the spirit. 

Blessed is that spirit who has a good stock on hand, 
when the Messenger comes to assort the bundle! I have 
said little, yet much. 

Ephraim. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 



SUFFERING while in earth-life is nothing to the freed 
spirit. Its memory only is recalled like the dim out- 
lines of a troubled dream. Yet if the moral qualities of the 
spirit are enhanced by its influence, it remains with us here 
a rich inheritance, a glorious reward that time and death 
can never destroy. 

Let this lesson be with you to comfort and sustain you 
during the dark hours of physical suffering that must come 
to all. 

e. h. a 

Eighteen hundred, eighty-two. 



64 

THELSTON, I am here,— not with the old-time pipe 
exactly but the "pipe of peace" and remembrance 
puffing around you with hearty good-will! 

What are you all about here in Meadville? Are you 
becoming rich, and puffing pride from your pipes? Poor 
Atlantic! It seems like a deserted country when I look 
at it now. No more. 

Edmund W. Gaston. 
November eighteenth, eighteen hundred, eighty-three. 



"Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass, 
Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron, 
Can be retentive to the strength of Spirit." 

—Shakespeare, 



PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF 

ALVIN CONGDON 

In his Passing from Earth to Spirit- Life by Accident. 

ALSO 
MESSAGES PROM HIS BROTHER AND SISTER 

Levi and Cordelia. 



T f T LL hail 



LL hail, my friends, whom the meanderings of 
an earthly pilgrimage have brought again to- 
gether. 
Do you still see the Star of Faith and Hope brightly 
gleaming through the mists and clouds, which ever attend 
the unfolding of the immaterial spirit from the material 
form? The cloud and the storm, are as necessary condi- 
tions for the germinating grain, as the genial atmosphere 
and the warm sunshine. 

Apply this grand law of nature to every mental storm 
which arises over your spiritual horizon. 

Cordelia. 
Eighteen hundred, fifty -nine. 



PHYSICAL suffering and earthly trials will soon be 
over, then will your spirit rise where the narrowness 
of worldly ambition will be lost in a nobler field of labor, 
and a clearer view of the best interest and happiness of the 
soul. All the grasping covetousness with which man is 
perplexed, when viewed here, appears like the fretting of 
a child for a gilded toy. 

ij 7 Levi Congdon. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



MY Friends : Though I am just across the river, I am 
very glad to bid you good cheer and that is all I 
am able to do. When I pass beyond all troubles in the 
valley, I will give you my experience. Be faithful to your 
belief. 

Alvin Congdon. 
January, eighteen hundred, seventy. 



"Spirits with easy intercourse pass to and fro."— Milton. 

ZbeJ£xpexienceot&lK>in&ot\Qbon 

|\ IV Y Dear Friends: I am with you in spirit, as 

\/ near as when my bodily presence formed 

-^- r -^-^— ^ «^» , one of the mystic circle in the past. I 

purpose giving you a simple sketch of my first impressions 

after crossing the dark river of death. 

The first sensation I experienced was a rapid and 
whirling motion in utter darkness and awful silence. The 
din of a railway depot was thus, in the twinkling of an eye 
as it were, exchanged for the dark valley and shadow of 
death. 

When the vibrations ceased and I became quiet again, 
I saw a faint light ; and soon a form appeared in the dim 
twilight that now surrounded me and, taking me by the 
hand, said in a clear voice : ' ' Come up higher, my brother, 
into the light and sunshine of the new life that is just 
dawning upon you. ' ' 

' ' Cordelia ! ' ' I said, for I knew her instinctively, with- 
out thinking of anything strange or unearthly connected 
with the vision. " Where am I? What has happened?'' I 
asked. "When shall I continue my journey? Where is the 
train and when does it start?" and many more incoherent 
questions. 

My brother, have no regrets; Leave the Past, turn 
to the Light ! Do not mourn, that you have thus suddenly 
been called from the immaterial and fleeting life, to real 
abiding existence— that the fading garment of mortality 
has been torn off by accident, only to be exchanged for 
the shining robe of immortality. Come forward to the 
light of your new home ! ' ' 

Much more she said that I cannot tell you, but I could 
not understand her. I fancied she was asking me to choose 



69 

between earth and spirit-life. So I told her "no," that 
when I had accomplished my journey and finished my 
earthly work, I would come gladly, but I must now go 
back." 

Accordingly we parted company, and I sought the 
train and silently took my seat in the car. Everything 
appeared strangely unnatural. I looked upon everything 
with a new interest, for I saw the interior as distinctly as 
the exterior. No one noticed me, and I justly concluded 
that I was not seen by any one. I could not understand 
my clairvoyant sight or my invisible presence. I felt sure 
I was myself, unchanged, although others did not seem 
disposed to recognize the fact. After the conductor had 
passed me without question, I spoke to my nearest fellow- 
passenger in regard to the matter and saw, to my astonish- 
ment, that my conversation was entirely unheeded! I was 
bewildered and unhappy and made no more attempts to 
talk with anyone. 

Suddenly I was in Vineland! I scarcely know how. 
Yet surely the place looked familiar enough to be no de- 
ception. I new through the streets, met some of my old 
friends and shouted forth my welcome, but they neither 
looked at, nor spoke to me. I went to my old boarding- 
place and entered unbidden; bolts and locks opened for 
me, as for Peter and John of ancient time. I now exerted 
every known means in my power to manifest my presence, 
but without avail. Occasionally their thoughts rested upon 
me for a moment, then some passing event would erase the 
impression. I know not how long a time I spent there. 
It did not occur to me to measure time, my mind was so 
perplexed; I only know I felt miserably unhappy. The 
visit was not what I had expected. 

All at once I felt there was trouble at home and imme- 
diately formed a resolution to start back at once. 

"Yes," I thought, "they will be glad to see me come 
home so soon; it will be a pleasant surprise for Myra and 
mother; probably they are mourning my absence now." 

There was comfort in this assurance and I sped on, 



70 

feeling instinctively that I no longer needed the aid of 
railroads to carry me homeward. I floated on through 
space, I know not how, propelled by some invisible power, 
but I was satisfied, for I felt conscious that I was home- 
ward bound. A faint light surrounded me. Suddenly I 
heard the sound of weeping and knew that I was there. 

" Mother! Myra!" I cried, but the voice of wailing 
alone replied. 

A spiritual blindness for a time enveloped everything 
in darkness and I prayed earnestly for light. Remember, 
the light of the sun was now of no avail to me. But light 
came at last and I cannot describe how I was startled, when 
I saw the image of myself,— my body— lying before me r 
stark and lifeless! Then and there, was I born into spir- 
itual existence and full and complete consciousness. How 
much of my previous experience was a reality, I cannot 
determine, but what will follow I do surely know. All the 
events, thoughts, and motives of my past life, came throng- 
ing upon my now fully awakened spirit. I found myself 
in possession of a perfect memory of everything in con- 
nection with my earthly life, even to the minutest particu- 
lar. With the old shell, perished the power of forgetting. 
I could have repeated my whole life-history without a 
break. I was an unseem, silent witness to that funeral; 
sitting in close and sympathetic connection with my dear 
ones, yet entirely unowned and unobserved by all; and I 
went to see my broken clay companion laid beneath the 
surface of its parent-earth. 

I come now to a radical change in my spiritual ex- 
perience. After the burial I did not return with my 
mourning family. I felt I needed a change. Looking 
upward for divine aid, I again saw Cordelia and many 
other spirit friends above and around me. 

" Cordelia/ ' I said, "I have finished. I come to be 
guided to the light of my new home." 

Now language falters, for how can I describe a purely 
spiritual scene to unborn spirits? Ephraim was among 
the throng who met me on the borders of the spirit world. 



71 

Overjoyed was I to meet his shining face, and warmly did 
he welcome me. I felt all unworthy of spiritual being and 
spiritual society ; and seeing this, they told me my presence 
proved my worthiness, since, in this world of reality, there 
is no seeming. It is entirely impossible for any one to 
reach a position which they are not qualified to fill. 

Time with you. Eternity with me, rolls on, and I am 
satisfied, happy even, in the change. I now view the acci- 
dent of my physical death as a wisely ordered event re- 
sulting in my spiritual good. The old body was nearly 
worn out and could have been of no more assistance to the 
development of the spirit-; hence it was but an incum- 
brance. 

In conclusion I will say : If you would have a pleasant 
spiritual awakening ; if you hope for peaceful visions in 
the hour of physical dissolution, your life on earth must 
be prudent and wise. Do not be forgetful of the destiny 
which awaits you, nor neglect your higher nature for sor- 
did selfish pursuits. 

Tell the dear ones all this, and more. I visit, guard 
and love them, even more than when on earth. 
Farewell, 

Alvin. 
September, eighteen hundred, seventy. 



ALL hail, my friends I There is beauty on both sides of 
life. Beauty there, for the fair body and well bal- 
anced brain, but beauty here for every eye to see and a 
path of progress for each individual spirit. None are 
exempt. The lowest and vilest will at last grow upward 
toward the Source of all knowledge and love. 

AiiVHf. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty. 



72 

TIME has made many changes since I met with you 
some twenty years ago in the past, yet we are in- 
dividually the same men and women now as then. Nature 
has robed and unrobed your spirits in new flesh garments 
since that time. — And mine? Well, I hope mine have 
changed, too, for the better. Time has written some marks 
of improvement upon my imperishable garments. I am 
Alvin. I dwell in the " Summer Land" in a home of my 
own, with many joys, such as I enjoyed among you all, 
only very much better, higher, purer, and above all, more 
enduring. 

I think of you more frequently than you think of 
me. The difference is, I am in a world where spirit is 
paramount. You still live where matter wears the chief 
glory of existence. 

Alvin. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty -one. 



Then let us fill this little interval, this pause 
of life, with all the virtues we can crowd 
into it.. 

—Addison. 



MESSAGES FROM 

SARAH WYKOFF 

By means of the Deaf and Dumb Alphabet. 



QUERY: What and where is Heaven? 
Reply: Heaven is where the spirit's best and 
—^^^) highest affections centre. Yours may be 
in one locality, mine in another. 

Let petty annoyances pass by you, as the idle wind, 
without thought or care. Persevere, be valiant in well 
doing, and the victor's laurels will spangle your new spir- 
itual raiment with richest tracery of silver chastity, and 
golden lines of Duty well done. 

To Addie from one who loves her well. 

Sarah. 
October, eighteen hundred, eighty-five. 



H ftbougbt Suggested) b$ tbe Song : 
"fferHwae." 

WHEN our bodies die and our spirits are freed, we 
leave a magnetic chain or cord behind in every 
spirit who truly loves us wound fast around that staple 
by which we may ever return. And just so long as you 
keep this love pure and strong, we cannot be "far away." 
If, however, you let the staple rust, decay and fall, 
then, oh then, the link is lost and we "soar away" in- 
deed! 

Moral. If you desire us keep the staple both bright 
and strong. 

Sarah. 
October, eighteen hundred, eighty-five. 



76 



WE always add to the top of our houses. We never 
build round the sides, or on the ground, but al- 
ways up. We grow higher and higher like the boy's bean- 
stalk, till we get out of sight. This is the best way I can 
draw comparisons. With us, it is growth and development. 
Your buildings represent money, but in the spirit world, 
our buildings represent mind-wealth ; and those who have 
only a small stock of mind-material, must be satisfied with 
a small house. A very small one indeed, represents the 
brain-culture of many a man who goes out of a large, beau- 
tiful ' ' stone-front ' ' there on earth, but as he grows in good- 
ness, and in spirituality, he may enlarge it just as you 
enlarge by your larger stock of money. With us it must 
be real worth— money has no longer any value. 

Sarah Wycoff. 



AN angel child* draws near, very near. He has fresh 
roses in his hand. He lives in the Summer-land 
where flowers bloom perpetually. See, he smiles, puts out 
his little hand and says, in baby language. "Papa sees 
me now." And truly we believe papa does see, in spirit 
and in truth, though no material-form greets the physical 
eye. Such meetings will keep alive his remembrance and 
love as nothing else could. He is beautiful and happy and 
learns rapidly. 

It is nice to have jewels on earth and it is well to have 
one jewel beyond price set in the kingdom above to keep 
us in mind that there is a life beyond. 

Sarah to Arthur. 
November fourth, eighteen hundred, eighty. 

* Donald, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur B. Gaston. He is 
the child referred to in one of Ephraim Gaston's messages as 
"Donnie." 



77 



a flower from tbe Sunns $i&e* 

To Nellie.* 

I saw your Father's garden, dear, 
'Twas living green. While here and there 
A flower upon its margin grew, 
Of varied form and brilliant hue. 

"Give Nell," said he, "a hollyhock, 
I raised them from the same old stock 
That round our smoke-house used to bloom, 
Within our earthly garden home." 

With scarlet leaves and golden cup, 
Where sweet perfume comes welling up, 
They stand in rows, on slender stalks, 
And beautify your father's walks. 

Go forth to some fair sunny spot 
Upon the ground that holds your cot, 
And plant his favorite flower there, 
And guard the germ with tender care. 

And when the stalks are filled with bloom, 
And lade the air with rich perfume, 
The flowers of love and faith shall fill 
Your soul with sweeter fragrance still. 

Father and Sarah. 
May tenth, eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 

* "Sarah" assumed control of the medium one evening when she 
was alone with a sister (Mrs. Hannah Nichols), and her two daugh- 
ters, the younger of which, Nellie, then a small child, had not been 
well enough to attend a children's party to which she had been in- 
vited. Sarah came, taught Nellie the symbols, and turned her disap- 
pointment into real pleasure by giving her the above message. 



78 



Couldst thou but soar on Faith's broad wing 

To yon bright spheres above; 

All passions base behind you fling, 

And robe yourselves in love; 

Then would celestial muse divine 

Thy pen's dull point inspire, 

Breathe heavenly truths in every line, 

Touched with seraphic fire. 

Sarah. 



H Wreatb. 

A wreath of flowers I bring to thee, 
Faith, Hope and Love and Charity 

Compose this garland rare. 
Around thy soul do thou entwine, 
And let it with thy thoughts combine 

This heavenly crown so fair! 

The scarlet buds of Faith ne'er fade; 
Alike in sunshine and in shade 

Its petals will expand. 
The soul, with its pure fragrance fraught, 
Looks o'er the ills of life as naught 
But heralders of blessings, brought 

Forth by the Father's hand. 

The golden flower of Hope reveals 
A mellow tinted light, which steals 

All sadness from the soul. 
All prospects dark are hid from view, 
Or covered with a roseate hue 
Which fills the soul with life anew, 

Its powers to unfold. 



79 

But ah! the blossoms of pure Love 
Spread o'er the wide expanse above 

That marks the Spirit-Home. 
To nature's emblem ever true, 
I dress the flowers of Love in blue, 
Or paint them in the glorious hue 

Which fills the heavenly dome. 

When e'er its petals are unfurled, 
When e'er it spreads o'er all the world 

No room is left for strife. 
Stern war, in its pure fragrance dies, 
Oppression from its presence flies, 
Forgot the orphan's tears and sighs 

And all with joy is rife. 

Next, Charity with spotless leaves, 
The gratitude of earth receives, 

Where e're its buds unite. 
O'er all men's faults it draws a veil, 
And only tells the pleasant tale 
Of virtue's deeds and love revealed, 

Upon its blossoms white. 

These priceless ornaments entwine, 
And let them with thy being join 

And bloom forever fresh. 
Within the garden of the mind, 

Let their united beauties shine. 
Faith, Hope, Love, Charity, combined 
To draw forth all thy powers divine, 
Thy soul shall ever bless. 

Sarah. 



The spirit of man which God inspired, 
Cannot perish with this corporal clod. 

—Milton. 



LITTLE SERMONS 
BY 

JAMES REED. 




Y Dear Young Friends : Faith without works 
is dead. Strive to let the light of a pure 
, faith shine forth in every word and 
work, that all around you may feel the influence of your 
manifold spiritual instructions ! In domestic life you mean 
well, have true principles, but you are weak and easily 
thrown off your balance by the petty annoyances of every 
day life. 

It is not the most important steps in life that most try 
•a man's unwavering integrity and virtue, but the daily 
and hourly battling with the little adverse duties of the 
moment, when the spirit has grown weak and weary ; when 
the guiding lights within the watch-towers of reason and 
conscience have been clouded by worldly selfishness and 
cares. In the former trials, the real man calls forth all the 
latent powers to aid him in the issue. In the latter, he 
is oft-times unguarded and becomes the victim of blind 
impulse, fancy or passions base. Guard against these 
pigmy, yet mighty evils, my children. 

No more at present. 



James Reed. 



Eighteen hundred, sixty-seven. 



ARE you not all messengers of the spirit? If you but 
strive to hear and heed the inward voice of the spir- 
itual intuitions, its promptings will become more and more 
palpable to the interior senses without any gold or other 
earthly treasure. All physical nature is full of an invis- 
ible life-giving element, without which your bodies can- 
-jiot live. You do not see it, yet it must be with you or 



84 

you perish physically. Even so the spirit must be sus- 
tained by invisible forces. By this means, if properly cul- 
tivated and understood, all may receive absolute knowledge 
without money and without price. The white-winged mes- 
sengers are anxiously waiting and watching, in every 
household, for the first dawning of that recognition of their 
invisible power, which is so necessary to every human indi- 
vidualized existence, although unseen or unknown. 



THERE is a purpose shown forth in all created things, 
—some beneficent design for the being created; and 
when you have attained the supreme heights of perfect 
bliss, then, and not until then, should you begin to imagine 
that you have reached the ultimatum of life, and are ready 
to take the declining plane and slide back towards the dark 
waters of Forgetfulness. 

Your worldly Materialists are going to take a few 
journeys up the mountain-side of life, and when they are 
ready to take passage up the higher slope, in a lighter 
conveyance, they imagine they are going to fall asleep for 
ever more. Truly we think this more dark than the old 
Redemption plan, as any waking is better than Eternal 
Sleep. 

Well, we have tired you out, little scribe. Many 
thanks. 

J. R. 



BE not cast down. When the spirit of truth and sin- 
cerity is with you, who can be against you? Indif- 
ference is the stupor of the too worldly mind. We think 



85 

it has the same effect upon the spirit, that alcohol has upon 
the body. May light from the spirit-world fill your home 
with peace and love; visitants more precious than mere 
earth can bestow. 

Eighteen hundred, seventy -eight. 



YOUR strains breathe first of faith, hope, reunion in the 
bright beyond, then of prayer and reverence for the 
Divine Author of our being ; and again of the joy and bliss 
of inter-communion of the spheres. Spiritualism is the 
beacon light which renders faith something more than a 
poetical myth; hope and union and love a living reality. 
We cannot speak and command and call forth light from 
darkness. The "still small voice" of the spirit must speak 
with power, only to those whose souls are attuned to the 
heavenly harmony. 

Eighteen hundred, seventy-nine. 



AS the fitful gleams of sunlight on a gusty November 
day, indicate the flood of light beyond the clouds; 
so the dim rays of spiritual unfoldment just as surely 
herald forth a warmer, clearer glow, that shall come 
streaming over every individualized spirit, quickening each 
and all with a power to raise the dark mantle of ignorance 
and error that all may be purified by a heavenly baptism 
of light,— more light! 



86 

YES, truly, earthly joys and sorrows are but faint types 
of the living reality which greets us in the realm of 
mind. Then stand fearless amidst the wreck and havoc 
of war, steadfast in an unyielding faith in immortal life. 
Be only fearful of wrong doing. 

Eighteen hundred, sixty -three. 



MY friends, do not think we have deserted you. We 
do not wish to give lessons in the rudiments always, 
but desire you to rise into the broader and clearer light 
of interior perception. 

Where there is a deep yearning for spiritual light, the 
soul-faculties gradually become developed within the sun- 
light of a truthful mind, and the spirit is surrounded with a 
halo of heavenly knowledge. 

Eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



WHEN the aspirations of a new-born spirit rise above 
the baser passions, it draws the spirit upward into 
clearer light than earth affords to any, save a few fine 
organizations whose spiritual perceptions pierce through 
all the stormy earth-clouds of passion. But those who are 
ruled by the lower faculties hover among their kindred 
vices, and are no better off, except that they are more 
easily reached and influenced by their wiser guardians. 

Eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



87 

WHEN the blighting frost of worldly ambition is baffled 
by the stern principles of rectitude and duty, the 
spirit grows inflexible and cold— though just and exact- 
ing; but when subdued by divine Love, perpetual sun- 
shine irradiates every kindly deed, and the spirit grows 
beautiful and graceful as well as strong and firm. 

Cultivate a spirit of love as well as a spirit of justice. 
Love, Justice and Wisdom combined, form the perfect 
man. 

You possess more of justice than love, hence I call 
your attention to the latter. 



THERE is an Eternal Principle of Immortality within 
man's divine nature which can never be erased 
however low he may sink in the scale of physical develop- 
ment. 

Eighteen hundred, sixty -four. 



AS the yellow splendor of the moon fills the night with 
many fleeting phantoms, so does the twilight of 
spirit-communion, people the untaught mind with weird, 
mysterious fancies. Yet, as the glories of the incoming 
day sweep away all the unreal shadows of the night, so 
will the light of the incoming life clear away all doubts 
and fears and seeming discrepancies in the spiritual realm. 
Keep the lamp of faith forever trimmed and burning. 

Your mother, brother and hosts of friends send you 
greeting from across the River. 



88 

WE are with you, more in trials than in sunshine. 
You have our deepest sympathy, our holiest, ten- 
derest influences, when tried by secret sorrow or subject 
to any peculiar affliction. Each soul knows its own bitter- 
ness and to this we would fain administer a healing balm 
that should dispel all dark clouds from the spirit and 
make it radiant with the perpetual bloom of cheerfulness 
and love. 

Good night, and may pure spirits seek kindred attri- 
butes in each one of you; aye and not search in vain! 



MY Dear Protege: I am still mindful of you, though 
you are now a man in the strife and turmoil of a 
business life and I stand on the invisible side, therefore 
in the background of physical life. 

Never forget, however, that I am assuredly with you, 

and often aid you too, in thoughts, ideas and suggestions; 

and though you do not realize me, yet would you miss me, 

as you miss the air or the sunshine which you do not see. 

Then never doubt me again. 

J. R. 



THE infinite possibilities of the Future rise clear and 
bright within the broad domain of the spirit. Life 
has a beauty and serenity here, that earth-life seldom 
realizes. The "wages of sin are pain and death, but the 
gift of God is Eternal Life. 

Do not then strive to "sell your birthright for a mess 
of pottage." 



89 

THE fair, pure temple of the spirit is indestructible 
both from within and from without. Do not seek to 
war against Nature's laws with puny arms of flesh, for she 
must surely vanquish. 

Yours in spirit, 

J. R. 



THE dark chasm is bridged. Light is fast dawning 
upon the minds of earth's children. The old re- 
ligious fables are giving way before rational knowledge of 
the incoming life; and we, its representatives, are bring- 
ing to those we leave behind, as much of absolute intelli- 
gence from our side as it is possible for us to give and 
for you to understand. Though the knowledge is only 
partial, and mingled with much imperfection, it is rapidly 
dispelling the night of superstition. When morning comes 
after darkness, man cannot but see his old phantoms fade 
and disappear before the light! 

You may say— " There is no life beyond the physical 
death ; there is no God ; there is nothing which is not purely 
material." Then comes the soft gentle influence of de- 
parted loved ones, speaking the familiar language so fond- 
ly remembered, and you know you feel that they still live 
and love you as of old. 

Eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 



HE ugliest forms of life are beautiful, and all is 
Life! There is no death— only change in Life. 



90 

THE light of the pure sweet morning dawns clear and 
bright, after the night of darkness and storm ! Thus 
the black pall of grief and despair is gradually lifted and 
dispelled, by the unfolding and rising of the fair sun- 
light of Faith and Immortal Love, that looks above the 
changes of death and time, to that blessed reunion in the 
real undying Life— the life of the higher spheres. 

The voice of the husband and father rings out cheery 
words of love and remembrance, in the clear calm morn-, 
ing, after the night of grief is past, so be comforted and 
hope on, work on, trust on to the end. 
Your guardian and friend, 

James Reed. 



THE spirit hosts come pouring in, each one verifying 
the old primeval truth of immortal kinship ! 

There are three fathers present, and each seeks an 
earth-born son, thus proving that earthly ties live beyond 
the flesh that gave them birth. Spirit speaks to kindred 
spirit; and the spirit of man knows, feels itself to be im- 
mortal, undying, unchanging in its eternal individuality. 
But its body companion is formed of opaque matter, and 
is often blind to the light of the spirit. The material body 
is invisible to me as a spiritual being. My spiritual body 
is invisible to you as a material substance, yet my spirit 
is cognizant of yours, and vice versa. 

The spirit of the patriarch father and new-found son 
clasp hands and seek together the earthly son and brother. 
The younger spirit-father flies to meet his favorite son, 
here present. The absent brother obeys the call of kin- 
ship, and comes forward to join the invisible throng. Sis- 
ters are here, and the newly united parents; all showing 
that love paternal, and love fraternal are not lost or van- 
quished by physical dissolution. 



Eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 



91 

THE love that is wafted to you from the spiritual 
spheres is something, which although you cannot 
see, taste or handle is yet rich with the glow of Hope and 
Promise for human progress. Hope that the mystery of 
life and its many changes may be unfolded and made clear 
through spiritual knowledge; and Promise that doubt and 
darkness may be succeeded by the pure light of a rational 
faith. 

Yet as the myriad voices of physical nature are 
silent before the man who loves only sensual pleasures, 
so is the " still small voice" of the spirit hushed before 
the mind entirely engrossed in worldly pursuits and aims. 

l J. R. 
February eighteenth, eighteen hundred, eighty-three. 



WE welcome you all in the name of your spirit friends 
who are anxious to waft back a thought of recogni- 
tion, from the, to you, invisible world. Yet we are real, 
palpable presences, and claim our share of your love and 
remembrance. We will speak further when you meet 
again. Have our added blessing. 

A familiar spirit,— when on earth James Reed by 
name— speaks for the others. 

Some of the new friends may speak when they get 
acquainted with our methods. One, a tall lady, wishes to 
do so when she can. 



THOUGH the dark waves of disease and death have 
destroyed my mortal body yet my freed spirit still 
lives and I return triumphant in my new found life. I 



92 

now have demonstrated that pain and dissolution can only 
kill the body, that the soul lives on after, loves, remem- 
bers and may return and see all our dear earthly friends. 

Death has lifted every former care and cloud from 
my now glorified spirit and I am willing, happy, to wait 
for the blissful reunion which the fullness of time must 
surely bring to us all. I will not fully identify myself, 
my good kind friend knows who I am. 

From the tall lady who recently passed over. 

J. R. 
February fourth, eighteen hundred, eighty -three. 



BE not desponding my young friends. The clouds will 
all disperse and the mental horizon of your spirit 
grow clear as a spotless mirror, on which may be shadowed 
forth the uses of every trial. 

Let your faith buoy you up through the cares of life. 



MY Dear Protege : Be of good cheer and keep a strong 
hold of the firm anchor of faith and hope; and if 
the storm rages, the troubled waters cannot quite over- 
come. 

Soon your storm-tossed craft will be anchored within 
a peaceful haven, whose fair, sunny margin touches the 
fertile valleys of the Summer land, the home of purity, 
peace and progress. Yours fraternally, 

ST. R. 



93 

THERE are many beautiful and exalted truths hid be- 
neath these crude manifestations. 
If you have patience and perseverence to delve 
through the bitter crust of darkness and inharmony, you 
will be rewarded with the pure light of interior wisdom. 



DO not be disheartened. Try to open a channel that 
the tides of love and wisdom which roll o'er the vast 
ocean of spirituality may flow into your spirit. 

If you were fitting a passage to some foreign country, 
you could not expect to complete it immediately. Then 
be willing to labor in the cause of Truth; and when angels 
are with you, never despair of success! 



YOU know we still live, and ever surround you with 
continued love and remembrance, so let silent Faith 
fill the hour with inspiration, sweet and holy. 

Be not so entirely engrossed in physical wants and 
temporary necessities, but let your spirit rise in divine 
attraction toward its real eternal Home. 

Yours, 

James Reed. 
(In behalf of many waiting friends). 



YOUR dear congenial friends who have passed to spirit- 
life, clasp hands with you across the stormy gulf of 
Physical Dissolution Cherish their memory and love! 

The purer light of a new spiritual era is advancing 



94 

over the whole universe of intelligent beings, and your 
little home enjoys a share of its coming brightness. Then 
strive to rise above the petty ills of time that yon matf 
receive a richer draught of spiritual knowledge which will 
abide with the immortal man forever. 



AGAIN and again have we given you messages of love, 
encouragement, reproof, warning and counsel. Why 
reiterate? 

Let unfoldment come from within, rather than from 
without. 

James Reed. 



"How must a spirit late escaped from earth 
The truth of things new blasting in its eye, 
Look bach astonished on the ways of men 
Whose life's whole drift is to forget their graces. 9 ' 

—Young. 



EXPERIENCE OF 

L. W. VAUGHN 

On his awakening in Spirit-Life after having been killed 
in the war. 

1863. 



fj RIEND Hammond: I see you have not forgotten 
|ti me. I have had a sore time but am not sorry to 
-^- be in spirit-life. 

"Doc." 

Query: Can I do anything for your children? 
Answer: I require nothing of you Friend Ham- 
mond,* save a continuance of your friendship. 

December ninth, eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



pB 



IEND Hammond: When you look into a deep dark 
pit or well, what makes you think it has a bottom? 

"Doc." 
December sixteenth, eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



* On his return to Pennsylvania from a Western state where 
he had made the acquaintance of Mr. Vaughn, Mr. Hammond 
had lost all trace of his friend. Therefore, it was a most convincing 
test when, through the mediumship of persons to whom he was 
wholly unknown, Mr. Vaughn related the manner of his death; when it 
occurred and where; and later investigation proved the details 
to be correct. It had been Mr. Vaughn's habit to address him as 
"Friend Hammond" in speaking to him. 




Experience of %, W. l^ausbn. 

KIEND Hammond: The first knowledge I had 
of existence, after I was shot, I found my- 
self in silence and darkness, devoid of even 
a memory of the past. I knew not what I was, 
nor where I was. I seemed to be the only living 
thing in a universe of darkness; but after a long 
sojourn in the field of silence, recollection gradually came 
to the rescue and gave me something to meditate upon 
which, though bad enough, was better than nothing to 
think about. I prayed, oh ! how earnestly, for light and the 
power of motion; prayed that I might know whether I 
was among friends or foes; for I did not yet know I was 
beyond the reach of rebel warfare ! 

Gradually objects around me became visible, and I 
found myself surrounded by beings still more miserable, 
many of them, than I. The mute agony, pictured on the 
countenance of some, was unutterable; while others looked 
calm and peaceful. I soon noticed some beings of a higher 
order flitting around, striving to alleviate the sufferers. 

"Oh!" thought I, "They are angels come to wait 
upon the dying! But they do not look like dying men, 
I see no wounds. My wound is gone! What means it? 
Where am I? Am I myself? 

As these questions swept through my mind, I saw a 
form standing before me. I looked at it inquiringly. She 
raised her hand and directed me, by motion, to look away 
from my surroundings, upward into the realms of light. 
Then as she placed her arm around me, I felt a new 
strength. imparted to me and soon realized a desire to go 
with her from this dungeon. No sooner had I felt this 
wish, than we began to rise into clearer atmosphere, and 
nature's universe smiled upon us, in the light of truth 



99 

and intuition. Beauty surrounded us and happiness filled 
all my being. No blood marks were visible, throughout the 
limitless realms of spirit existence! No strife or discord 
marred the harmony of the scene! 

There my guide drew her supporting arm from around 
me and said: 

"Can you attune your soul to the scenes of peace 
and love, or will you still dwell in the spirit of warfare, 
strife, hatred and misery? These passions must be for- 
ever overcome, before you can drink from the fount of 
wisdom, peace and love." 

For the first time the consciousness that I was living 
in the world of spirits came over me. The emotions that 
surged through my spirit, no language of mine can de- 
scribe. All my earthly life rose before me, clear and 
distinct. Not a word, a look, a thought or an incident 
was forgotten. 

When looked upon by the light of truth, how dis- 
gusting did the sins, follies and passions of my earthly 
life appear. I sorrowed over a mis-spent life mostly, but 
when a noble deed passed in review, how lovingly would 
memory cling to it, anxiously wishing that the bright spot 
might spread over the darker portion. Yain hope! It 
only made the surrounding gloom more apparent. 

As the friends and acquaintances of my earthly life 
passed quickly before me, all the scales of externalism 
dropped from my eyes and I saw, internally, every motive 
that formed the basis of their friendship or aversion for 
me. Many false garbs grieved my spirit vision, but, when 
you, Friend Hammond, came along, I was shocked with 
no hollow pretense of unfelt friendship. 

This is why I came back to you. I found I had 
thrown away many real blessings and accepted many 
sugar-coated lies. Of all mankind, the hypocrite, hon- 
ored and respected, looks the worst, in the light of truth. 
His whole life is a lie, with now and then a crack where 
the real man peeks out, in spite of the painted coat of 
falsehood. 



100 



Continued 

WHEN I had travelled over the scenes of my earthly life, 
I viewed the lonely spot where my old body had been 
left to mingle in the dust with the remains of friend and 
foe, in the bosom of one common Mother. I found that 
about two months had elapsed since I had been severed 
from the lump of earth I once called myself. It was as 
hard for me to realize that the decaying substance before 
me, had ever formed a part of myself, as it used to be to 
believe I could live away from it. Then questions began 
to arise in my mind, in regard to my past experience in 
that dark, silent place, and I looked for my guide. No 
sooner did I desire her presence than she was with me, 
like an angel of light, ready to give me instruction. I 
spoke to her, as you might ask your mother, of the for- 
gotten scenes of early childhood. 

"I was in no dungeon," she told me; "The elements 
of light, love, wisdom and truth, surrounded me then as 
now. My mental condition had caused the darkness— 
my spiritual perceptions being too weak to behold the ob- 
jects around me. Place is nothing in spirit-life, but 
condition, capacity, makes its own surroundings. The 
light of God's Truth, shines everywhere, but the spiritually 
blind cannot perceive it until their faculties are quickened, 
by the desire to arise from the dark conditions." 

"Well" said I at length, "where am I to find a place 
in this unbounded land of the spirit?" 

"Your place," she replied, "is where your aspira- 
tions, endowments and attractions draw you. I have 
helped to open your perceptions to a faint knowledge of 
the beauties of harmony, love and wisdom. If you desire 
to be a resident of the realms of Peace, you must bring 
your whole soul into harmony with the scenes I have shown 
you, then will you possess nature's password and coun- 
tersign to advance. No armed warriors will ever arise to 



101 

bar your ingress to any of nature's unlimited dominions, 
save the spiritual foes of Progress,— ignorance and inhar- 
mony. You have the power within you by which you may 
vanquish these, if you will use them. I leave you now 
to follow your own attractions. I shall be with you again 
to instruct you, if you desire it." She disappeared in an 
instant. 

When left to myself, a feeling of sad loneliness per- 
vaded my spirit. All the past elevation of mind I had 
enjoyed seemed to desert me, and I longed for earth and 
the friends and jovial companions I had left behind. 

' ' War is feetter than the quiet here ! ' ' I thought ; and 
with the thought was drawn back to earth where I wan- 
dered from place to place, but found no satisfaction any- 
where. I could not approach my wife. A gulf seemed to 
spread its wide jaws between us. I could see that she 
mourned my loss but I had not served to turn h»r mind 
away from the world. I shed many bitter burning 
thoughts (I will not say tears) over my dear children 
left, as they were, in a selfish world with no protecting 
arm to shield them from the follies of life. 



I FOLLOWED the army for a long time, but found no 
peace nor pleasure in the element which surrounded me 
there. Yet I could not get away from the attractions that 
held me. It is an awful feeling, to be within the surging 
elements of passion, hatred and strife, where all is active 
fighting and feel its influence upon you, yet have nothing 
to do, and I finally cried for my guide to take me away 
or to help me to take part in the combat I saw around 
me. 

''Are you so weak and inefficient that you see no good 
work you can do, in the midst of human suffering 



102 

and soul misery? Such a scene should call forth your 
sympathy and exertion for the distressed. Here you 
stand, praying for something to do, with the most heavenly 
work around you— loving deeds of mercy." 

I felt rather than heard this rebuke, and a feeling of 
shame swept over me when I found myself in the pres- 
ence of that pure being to whom I had been calling for 
help. 

"Come," she said, with a sorrowful smile of sym- 
pathy and encouragement, "let us go together and strive 
to alleviate the suffering of some soul more unhappy than 
you are." 

Then we mingled among the spirits of the dying, and 
the tales of woe, crime and misery I there read, in the 
light of my wiser counsellor, beggared all description, and 
seemed to mock at and swallow up all my lighter sorrows, 
just as the light of the sun absorbs all the lesser lights. 
I soon found, that by the help of my guide, I could im- 
part a soothing influence to many of my brother soldiers, 
who were dying on the bloody field, as I had done before 
them. In doing this I felt more real happiness than I 
had ever known before. My views of humanity enlarged, 
while looking on these dying men. I saw, when divested 
of all sordid interests, that all mankind are much better 
than a worldly view would present. There is not so much 
difference between the high and the low as we are apt 
to think, from our external view. 

Since I see these things, my perceptions have been 
quickened, and I have found plenty of employment in 
elevating my own misguided spirit, and in helping my 
fellow soldiers. My beautiful counsellor still extends her 
protecting power to me, whenever I need her aid and am 
in a proper state to receive her instruction. I can go 
among my former associates and return at will, for a 
stronger attraction now draws me above, in the pure adora- 
tion I now feel for her, who helped me out of the pit of 
ignorance and crime. 



103 



Conclu&eb, 

BUT little more remains to be told. I can give you no 
idea of my life, because I can find no written lan- 
guage wherein to express it. I progress more than when on 
earth, because I am drawn more away from the tempta- 
tions of passion, and have a more extensive field for gain- 
ing knowledge. There are, too, myriads of wise, kind 
spirits, ready to give me any desired instruction. Here 
kindness and wisdom go hand in hand. All are taught 
without money and without price; without aught save the 
spiritual injunction, "Go and do thou likewise." 

My employment is mostly among the soldiers. I visit 
my children often and try to exert a good influence over 
them, but I am so weak and they are surrounded by such 
a worldly element, that it is not much I can do for them. 
When I first learned of this mode of corresponding with 
the world I felt anxious to try to do something for my 
boy. I saw you retire to a quiet country life and fol- 
lowed, hoping to find some means of making my presence 
known, and, by the assistance of my dearest friend. I have 
been able to give this imperfect account of spiritual ex- 
perience. 

All I have to say in conclusion is, that I hope "you 
may so live," that when you pass through the last great 
change, which is no change, your sensations may all be 
pleasant. 

From your reformed friend, 

L. W. Vaughn. 
January sixteenth, eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



-"Death only this mysterious truth unfolds, 
The mighty soul how small a body holds!" 

—Dryden. 



fllMscellaneous. 




Y Dear Children: Though time has woven 
your once bright locks with threads of sil- 
ver, and children's children fill your 
hearts with new love, in spirit, you are my children still, 
and I am with you in every trial. 

rieve not too bitterly over wrongs, for temporal 
trials are fleeting and transitory when viewed in the light 
of Eternity, where Truth is ever uppermost and Justice 
is ever done. Sorrow is only a stepping-stone to future 
light and progress. 

A father's blessing is all I can leave with you. 

Oliver Butterfield. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-seven. 



GRIEF is itself a medicine and bestowed to improve 
the fortitude that bears the load. 
We are here my daughter— your mother and I.— 
Luman— Yes and Cynthia too, who feels an interest equal 
to any one of us. She says she loves you for the care, 
grief and anxiety you have suffered for her and hers; 
and as for me, did not my pity and tenderness draw me 
to your presence, I should never approach earth, so tired 
am I of all its gloomy influence. 

I have cheering words for you believe me. * * * 
Therefore, be comforted. 

"We are with you. "Who are they against you?" 
Love and memory across the so-called "Silent River." 

Oliver Butterfield. 
Thanksgiving, eighteen hundred, eighty-six. 



107 

MY Dear Daughter Lydia : A long separation has in- 
tervened since a father's words of love have been 
borne to your listening, patient spirit, yet that parent 
has ever been as near, as tangible and as undying in his 
love and remembrance, as the kind mother whose bodily 
presence has been your strength and support, through the 

situdes of these many earthly, years; and the power 
that moves this inanimate wood, speaks forth your father's 
thoughts as clearly as did ever the familiar tones so well 
remembered in the past. 

Well do I recollect the despairing kindness, the wealth 
of love lavished upon me by the dear little group as they 
gathered around me during those mournful days,— that 
trying ordeal of pain and suffering that marked the clos- 
ing scenes of my earthly pilgrimage, and the extinction 
of physical existence. Though the parting was bitter for 
us all. yet was the re-union with those gone before sweet; 
and the freedom from all earthly sin and anguish was 
supreme bliss. Still I know that God is good and He 
"doeth all things well." 

I am glad to say this to you, and I could follow up 
the mystic rap with thought after thought, with blessing 
added to blessing, but it cannot be, for I am forced to 
say good night and good bye, though only for a little 
season. 

Your loving father, 

Issac Hammond. 

MY Daughter: I can say but little tonight. 
Do not be troubled for the future. Do each day 
what your hands find to do, according to your strength; 
and be content. 

When I view your beautiful life, and well-ordered 
spirit, crowned with purity and knowledge, I feel and 



108 

know there can be nothing but good in store for such as 
you. 

May a father's blessing rest upon you always like a 
benediction; and make all dark paths brighten for your 
weary feet. 

Isaac Hammond. 



DILIGENT research is the beginning of wisdom. We 
have given you many lessons, have you learned them 
well? Do you love your brother man better for these in- 
structions ? 

When drawing nigh to spirit friends, do not draw 
away from the many loving hearts pulsating in the life 
which surrounds you. As you love those beneath you, 
even so may you hope to be assisted by those above you. 
We will not dwell longer on this. Do what good you 
can healing and each striving will bring an increase of 
power for good. 

Anon. 



NO, the dear departed are not forgotten by earth's 
children. They cannot make them dead in their 
affections, thus carrying a living proof of immortality 
within their own souls. 

Then cherish the memory of the departed loved ones, 
for the remembrance of a father, a mother, a brother, a 
child or sister in the spirit home, will serve to brighten 
and purify your lives. 

Anon. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-nine. 



109 

MOTHER : I am here to give you a letter spelled out 
by this a b c. I should have liked to stay with you, 
to help you; I was neither ready nor willing to leave you 
but I find life here, good, and I will prepare a place for 
you, and be ready to meet you, when you come ; not paper 
and paint as I did there in our house, but some thing far 
better ! 

You wanted me at home with you and after I re- 
turned I was taken away by that dreadful accident. I 
did not suffer much; was only bewildered; and rose from 
the water unhurt. 

Do not mourn, for I visit you every day. I should 
be so happy if you could know this! You will believe 
it won't you mother? Have faith in my love, and we will 
wait with smiling faces and serene spirits until we meet 
again where accidents can come no more. 
I am your son, 

Hakvey Wier. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty-four. 



WHEN I drifted out, I saw and recognized Annis 
first. She came to me where I lay. 
I wanted to speak and comfort you all, but I could 
not. I wanted to tell you how much easier it was to live 
without the body; that I was delighted with the change; 
that the only bitterness was parting from you all. What 
I could not tell you then, I tell you now. 

A. G. Nichols. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty -one. 



A 



110 
D ALINE, how are you and the family? 



We are waiting — watching 'round the borders of 
life to see how you are all coming on. We do not watch 
all the time, mind you ! for we wander away through the 
soft light of the Better land, where never ending variety 
fills us with perpetual gladness, that never grows old nor 
cold. We hunt in the valley for the "straight and narrow 
path" which leads on to the hill-tops beyond; and whether 
we find it or not we are all right anywhere ; at home every- 
where : always in touch with the best things of life ! (Now 
do not envy us for we will "save some for you.") 

At times we take the other trail, come back to you 
here and look through the crust of matter. Struggling 
on, tired, restless, vain, you make me think of little gold- 
fish in a glass globe gilded with your fine clothes; always 
trying to get out; never quiet; never satisfied; forever 
wanting to do something else; possess something more! 

Well, never mind! The globe will fill up in time, 
and you will find an opening at the top through which 
you may swim out. There you will find me. your father, 
in the vast ocean beyond the neck of the "globe,"— your 
present nursing-bottle ! 

Good night. 

Asa G. Nichols. 
October twenty-fifth, eighteen hundred, eighty -five. 



WE will meet where the valley is so narrow, that we 
may clasp hands across the fearful chasm and find 
it after all only a little ditch, that the foot may span 
dry-shod. 

Good night all. Just think of me. 

Asa G. Nichols. 



Ill 

WE are ever faithful ever sure ! 
Though rugged storms on the hill-tops of Time 
may mark your earth-life with rifts and wrecks, yet faith 
is steadfast, and immortal individual existence a sub- 
stantial reality! 

Awaiting you here on the borders, are your parents, 
children and sisters. Let your record be stainless and 
without reproach that the meeting may be a joyous one 
when you join us here. 

Anon. 
November fourth, eighteen hundred, eighty-five. 



WE have no topic. Suggest one. I am Ouina. 
Query: How are our friends in spirit-life em- 
ployed ? 

Not raising potatoes and beans, but growing some 
plants so very much neglected in your world that in- 
deed, I doubt whether many of earth's children would 
know the genuine growth from the spurious. They are 
known as Honor, Charity, Truth, Justice, Knowledge, 
Virtue and many similar plants that must be cultivated 
before we can become far advanced in the Path of 
Progress. 

Query: Do they study the sciences? 

Yes. Science is the soul of all things, both animate, 
and inanimate. 

Query: Can you give us a character-poem? 

Who wants one? I can give but one, my medium 
is not well. 

October, eighteen hundred, eighty. 



112 

Zhe pearl of Greatest price- 

(Character-poem.) 

The spirit, through those dark orbs glancing, 
A weary, restless longing seems to show. 

The mirth and wit upon its surface dancing, 

Hide deeper waves of thought than in the sunlight glow. 

Flashes of truth and tenderness come stealing 

From 'neath the lighter foam of earth-taught lore, 

The purity and strength of womanhood revealing. 

(A richer, rarer gem than fills a monarch's earthly 
store!) 

Fair pearl of purity! all colors glinting, 
Each shade reflecting, yet retaining none. 

Within thy polished bosom, rainbows freshly tinting, 
Yet changing oft, forever white alone. 

"The Pearl of greatest price" thy name shall be, 
Emblem of womanly purity. 

OUINA. 

To Addie N. Lauer. 



THE vast cornucopia of the spirit-world hangs over 
you like a silver crescent, ready to baptize you with 
a beneficent power;— the symbol of faith and patient wait- 
ing. 

You shall surely be rewarded. We do not know just 
the form it may assume. It falls like the gentle dew, and 



113 

here springs a rose, there a violet, and yonder a lily, ac- 
cording to the nature of the plant developed, each perfect 
after its kind. Even so it is with human blossoms. 
To one who understands. 

Anon. 



WE are few, yet many. A host, in individual spirit- 
life, may throb in each minute atom of space that 
your little dwelling encloses. How closely are we allied 
to you,— how near and yet how far away! So near, we 
may fan your brow and cheek with our invisible presence ; 
yet so far, that only the death of the physical may bring 
us completely and fully to know and enjoy each other. 

Anon. 



I AM charmed, entranced! The spirit of music and 
poesy floats into our harmonized presence, borne on 
the invisible wings of those old, time-honored songs. 

We have no test, but simply words of love and greet- 
ing for the strange friends. They must seek well and 
diligently, for pearls are rare and dross is abundant. 

Lebbie. 



MOVE on fearlessly sister mine. Life is very pleasant 
if you cull but the roses and muffle the thorns. If 
they sting, hide the wound until it is healed again. 

Libbie. 



114 

WE are once more with you to teach you to live a life 
of usefulness and purity and progression while in 
this lower sphere; to look forward with material hope and 
pleasure to a higher, holier existence. "Will you receive 
and follow our divine instructions? Let us give you the 
elements of a pure life. 

Keep the body clean and clothed in fitting raiment, 
for purity cannot dwell in impurity. 

Take food to sustain the body and not to clog the 
spirit. 

Avoid unworthy thoughts at all times. While re- 
clining on your couch in the hours of darkness, the spirit, 
if elevated, rises and mingles with superior beings. 

Anon. 



BE united in steadfast principles of virtue and integ- 
rity. Union is strength. The cord of many strands 
is the stronger. 



WHEN the fleeting pleasures of time and sense are ex- 
changed for the more abiding joys that spring from 
a mind which has overcome all evil propensities by follow- 
ing the path of duty— a path which leads into the fair 
sunny fields of purity,— then will every temptation re- 
sisted be an unfading beauty to the spirit forever; and 
each fall alas! leave its inerasible image on the immortal 
spirit. Strive to harmonize the mind, that temporal and 
eternal interests may clasp hands in the daily routine of 
life. 



115 

We will try next time to give you something more 
personal. Truth is always impersonal. 

May good angels guard -you to peace and happiness. 
Good night, 

Anon. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-nine. 



FAITH may not become absolute knowledge until we 
pass from the portal of physical life and enter the 
realm of the spirit. Then faith will be lost in the light 
of a perfect unfoldment of the spirit. 

We would not promise to bring conviction to one who 
has no inward light, for their unfoldment has not yet 
come. Such must await the divine transfiguration. It 
will surely come. 

Anon. 



YES we come,— an invisible host from the to you, un- 
seen world. 
The rain does not soil our garments, nor the wild 
wind chill our flexible spiritual body. We bend supreme- 
ly near each waiting longing spirit, and are unspeakab 1 :* 
happy to meet you all a little nearer home ! 

Libbie. 



116 



Gbe Silver lake, 

(Character-poem given to Archie E. Gaston.) 

The crags and steeps rise far above 

The lakelet's sandy bed; 
A faithful semblance of their strength 

Upon its waves is spread. 

When raging storms with angry breath 

Beat o'er its granite walls, 
And, toppling from some rocky point 

A broken fragment falls; 

Within its clear, unruffled breast 

A splash, then all serene! 
The eddying rings in waves roll out, 

Then smooth, and hide the scene. 

The liquid mirror of the lake 
An image of thy spirit proves, 

It's pale, pure depths reflecting back 
All that it sees and knows and loves. 

When high beyond thy youthful ken 

The elements of life wage war, 
Only faint ripples now and then 

Disturb thy thoughts borne from afar. 

The "Silver Lake" thy name shall be, 
Emblem of youthful purity. 

OUINA. 

October, eighteen hundred, eighty. 



117 



EARTH life is but the stepping stone to a better, holier 
state. The birthplace of an eternal, individual, pro- 
gressive existence, where the spirit in its unceasing evo- 
lution shall forever enjoy the sunlight of perfect knowl- 
edge, purity and love. 



AS the giant oak springs from the infant plant with 
three small leaves, so do the broad truths of spiritual 
communion spring from three tiny raps. 

D. D. 
May, eighteen hundred, eighty-three. 



THE spirit land is beautiful and bright. No fear, no 
doubt enters its clear and boundless expanse. All 
is love, peace and progress. 

The birth of the spirit is sometimes through physical 
suffering and mental darkness, yet the rising of the sun 
is so glorious, that the night of physical pain is soon lost 
in the splendor of the morning. God is our kind Father, 
and Christ is our elder Brother. This is true Christian 
faith. 

E. A. Briscoe. 



w 



E are with you. What will you have? 

Why consolation? 
Are you sick, weary, discouraged and far from Home t 



118 

If sick in body take little pills. If sick in spirit take 
equal parts of faith and hope. If weary and discouraged, 
—wait! Best, until the spirit is strengthened and re- 
newed by the inherent powers of immortal life, ever re- 
membering that you have an Eternity of time before you, 
and nature never hurries at her work. 

Imitate her example ; and Home may appear afar off, 
when really your tired feet may be treading its very 
threshold and the latchet just be rising, drawn by some 
gentle kindly hand within, ready to give you familiar 
greeting. 

January first, eighteen hundred, eighty-eight. 



FREEDOM from passional discord is conducive to spir- 
itual attainments. Thus the secluded hermit enjoys 
pleasures, and plucks many rare gifts from the overhang- 
ing boughs of inspirational knowledge, upon which his 
heaven-directed senses are fixed. Yet he does not reach 
that high standard of moral excellence, universal benevo- 
lence and manly independence, which crowns the spirit 
after a life spent in worldly pursuits, i." e., if the moral 
and spiritual have acted well their part in the drama of 
his life. 

R. Van Rensaeller. 



FRIENDS, I give you welcome! I am so happy to re- 
mind you of her you called "Lodency.' ? 
Yes, I can preach better sermons than of old. The 
earth is good and so is all life outside this little planet. 



119 

I am glad, sister, you keep up good cheer, for clouds. 
be they ever so dark and threatening, a breath of fresh 
east wind will sweep them away, and lo! the sun is still 
shining and all nature is clothed and bathed in light and 
renewed life ; and all is Love everywhere throughout God 's 
infinite universe. 

I wish this might be continued longer, but time and 
circumstance— earth 's tyrants— forbid. 

Lodencia Scott. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty-six. 



WE are here,— an unbroken chain of spiritual affinity 
over which time and death have no power ; still lov- 
ing, remembering, and aiding with even more than a 
former interest. 



I AM so glad to have you all together where I may say 
a word to you ; for like all others, I love to be remem- 
bered and sought. 

You will never seek me in vain; for my memory— my 
love for you all. is as undying as my existence! 

"Pheme" Mc Arthur. 



120 



There is never a night but there follows a morning; 

Never a darkness, the light won't destroy. 
There seldom comes joy but there first is a warning, 

Yet the warning itself may not be a joy. 

There's never a day but has its tomorrow, 
Seldom a victory gained without strife. 

There's hardly a life that's not shadowed by sorrow, 
Yet the shades of the night show the joys of the life. 

Lyman Sibley. 
Eighteen hundred, ninety-one. 



WE are near, very near you tonight. Our love and 
sympathy encircle each and every one of you, yet 
we are devoid of test conditions and can only appeal to 
your simple, trusting faith. We love the faith of a noble 
spirit better than any flour, rope-tying or any of the usual 
phenomena attending physical manifestations. 

When spirit becomes cognizant of spirit, the physical 
is no longer necessary. This is the true spirit communion. 
It only remains for the exceptional few to demonstrate 
spiritual truth to the physical senses. 

Anon. 



MY Dear Children: During the hours of nature's long 
repose we love to hover near our earth-bound 
friends and find them willing to receive words of love and 



121 

remembrance from those who have passed on before; from 
those whose earthly faces are seen no more among men. 

What do we desire to impress most forcibly upon 
your minds by our message? Simply this: That earthly 
life is not the primary object of man's existence. 

Weak man! Though nature sounds this truth by a 
myriad of audible voices, he forgets, and struggles on to 
reach the pinnacle of worldly ambition; when lo! he falls 
into a new life and wakes surprised, aghast, and unpre- 
pared for the spiritual being that Nature and her hand- 
maiden (Death) have been vainly striving to make him 
remember. 

My friends, when physical Death overtakes you, let 
him not surprise you, but meet him as a welcome mes- 
senger from mother Nature, bearing the summons for a 
higher and better position in the Father's beautiful man- 
sion of Immortality. 

C. Russell. 



PERMIT me to say that I, Wm. Newton, am present. 
I do not know that you will acknowledge or remem- 
ber me, but that makes no difference to me,— nor to you 
perhaps. 

We are an unbroken family across the line. Not in 
Heaven, for I am not there yet, nor do I want to be there 
nearly so badly as I want to be back on earth to redeem 
some of our mistakes. 

Wm. Newton. 



BELIEVE on! we will help you in every season of 
trial. We strive to strengthen the bonds of fraternal 
affection, that, united, you may assist and save each other. 



122 

Not from universal ruin, but simply from many of the 
little, petty ills that destroy so much of human happi- 
ness. 

Heaven is not a haven of rest. Neither is it a place 
fitted up for pure spirits. It is simply a condition of har- 
monious love; of perfect trust in the Supreme Power that 
governs the universe; and a well-grounded Principle that 
is entirely impervious to every artifice with which tempta- 
tion may seek to stain the spotless robe of the spirit. 

This condition may be attained as well on earth as in 
spirit-life. Strive for it; it is more precious than are 
earthly treasures. 

Yours in love, 

Anon. 



WE are near, yet without theme, topic or question; an 
informal meeting without leader on either side. 
Each waits for another. We from our side, look down 
through the dark waves of materiality and see a half dozen 
faces looking up toward us with a vague, mute appeal to 
learn something, yet asking nothing definite:— the hardest 
of wishes to satisfy. 

The Spirit "World! How many have attempted to 
describe it, yet how dim are the pictures presented, and 
who can describe the infinite, illimitable home of the im- 
mortal spirit of man? Yet it seems possible for me to 
give you an intelligent account of the little portion of it 
that I see and inhabit. 

First, it is filled with natural objects in which the 
spirit delights. We have birds, flowers, and even beasts 
if we love them. Although we do not need them to bear 
us or our burdens, if we love them around us, we may 
cultivate them. The higher we advance the less we see 
of them. 



123 

More again, you are weary. Meet at regular inter- 
vals, have a leader and definite expressed wishes, and you 
can have more satisfactory instructions. Good night and 
good wishes. 

From a Host of Spirit Friends. 



WE are not lost, nor forgetful of your faithful attend- 
ance on us for spiritual light and knowledge. 
Like the parent-bird, we would fain leave you to try 
to soar aloft, unaided except by your own intuitive per- 
ception; as the tutor who tires of precept and leaves his 
pupil to profit by practice. 



'Tis not the whole of life to live 
Nor all of death to die. 

—James Montgomery, 



flfcosaics. 



NEVER let your pleasures rise above the calm, 
quiet joys which reason and spirituality sanc- 
tion; then shall your sorrows never fall below 
the influence and control of these unerring and immortal 
guides. 

Chas. Barton. 



THE light of the spheres shines forever clear and stead- 
fast. Strive to rise above the shadows of time and 
sense. Keep your thoughts pure and your lives will be 
true. 

Ephraim H. Gaston. 



FOLLOW the light of inspiration. It will lead you 
through the shadows of darkness and doubt, into the 
fair, sunny clime of progressive knowledge. 

Ephraim H. Gaston. 



DEFORMITY and darkness of spirit breed contempt 
for the real Truth, and pride in the false; but light 
generates life in the cold silent germ; and life breathes 
of future Hope and Progress. 

Imogene Gaston. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-nine. 



128 

LET the holy emanations of divine spiritual love ever 
beam from your countenances, filling the whole vast 
area of your influence with the perpetual sunshine of uni- 
versal love. 

James Reed. 



ARE you sad, weary, discouraged? Live on, trust on, 
hope on, and above all believe on, in the unfailing 
Source of Goodness and Power ! If the duties of life seem 
small and irksome, keep them well burnished with the 
genuine sheen of fraternal love and benevolence. 
Do not repulse any who wish to join you. 

James Reed. 



LET love, faith and good will toward all, lighten and 
smooth the rough descending pathway to the boun- 
dary and final outlet of physical death. 

John Hammond. 



BE ever tranquil. Let the passing moments bear you 
onward peacefully, until the ruffled stream of phy- 
sical life sweeps onward, through the narrow passes of 
Time, into the unlimited Sea of Eternity: into the un- 
spotted glory of the higher life! 

John Hammond. 



129 

LIFE is a mystery which only eternal duration may 
slowly unroll before our vision. 
Death is only an accident of Life— a change from one 
key to another, in the un-ending rythm of Progression. 

Ephraim H. Gaston. 



rEAT life is successful, which stands for Honor, Truth, 
and Justice through every ordeal of time and chance. 
The Wheel of Fortune does not register the success- 
of a life; it only marks the life-rate of worldly emolu- 
ments which perish with the shell. The real man is often 
dwarfed by such success. 

James Reed. 



EVER remember there is more light than darkness; 
more good than evil; more love than hate; more joy 
than sorrow; more health than sickness; and ultimately, 
all Discord becomes Harmony; and Good is evolved out 
of every condition of life. 

'John Hammond. 



NEVER become lost in a whirlwind of doubt and dark- 
ness. Seek the pure sunlight of faith, that you may 
discern the substance of things hoped for, thus adding 
knowledge to faith. 

John Hammond. 
November eighteenth, eighteen hundred, eighty-three. 



130 

BE not dead in faith, but let your light shine clear and 
bright before all men, that all may know the man- 
ner of faith which sustains you. 

Do not smuggle Spiritual Truth as something to blush 
for. 

Anon. 



WE may ever draw near, yet it is not always wise to 
write by this tedious means of conveying a few 
broken thoughts. The end and aim of our brief sentences 
was long since accomplished— the proof given. We can 
only give a repetition. 

We want you to pass on to something higher. The 
spirit-world is full of untold treasures ready for the pure, 
receptive nature who listens with understanding to the 
"still small voice" of the spirit, which speaks to every 
human soul, and may be heard. The receptive faculties 
of man are fast learning to follow the light of intuition; 
it is permeating and diffusing a new light into all depart- 
ments of earth-life— social, religious and scientific; all feel 
the life of its revivifying influence. 

Our unacknowledged power is the moving motor of 
progress. We love to be acknowledged, yet the great 
truths of immortal Life do not suffer, even though the 
Messengers are unrecognized and forgotten. 



KNOWLEDGE makes us sure and steadfast over the 
route, in the darkest hours of a rayless night, but 
a pure faith is better for it lights up with a soft, silvery 



131 

radiance, the unknown paths equally with the known. 
While Knowledge must be limited, Faith o'er sweeps the 
entire limitless universe. Knowledge cannot guide you 
over an unknown path, for you must first pass over, be- 
fore you know the way. But faith's sweet light may fore- 
stall actual knowledge. 

What is faith? It is an inherent faculty of the im- 
mortal spirit of man. The higher the development of the 
spirit, the purer and more enlightened is the faith. 

Anon. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-nine. 



LIGHT and darkness, chaos and order, growth and de- 
cay, devastation and restoration are sent forth as 
twin sisters by the overruling forces from mother Nature's 
vast arcana. 

All inharmony will be adjusted. All seeming evil 
w T ill finally give place to higher conditions and the one 
only evil, ignorance, will be exorcised. Truth and har- 
mony must prevail. 

Very truly yours, 

"A spirit meek and lowly, 
Blessed with affection holy." 

Name me by my words. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty-one. 



AS you walk down the shores of Time, the dark waters 
of Death recede ; the opposite shore grows nearer and 
fairer, and each messenger that is sent to bear some dearly 



132 

loved one across in the spiritual bark, seems to diminish 
the faint dividing line; to lessen and narrow and smooth 
down the dark waves that lie between. 

When led by a pure, rational faith, the passage is 
so narrow and the waters so .placid, that you may step 
from shore to shore, without even dipping you feet into 
the so-called stream of Death. 

Anon. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-three. 



BE earnest but not over zealous for the truth. "The 
fire of straw, soon kindled, makes a flash, and is 
gone, leaving no heat behind; but the deep burning heat 
of the anthracite sends forth a silent glow which fills your 
parlors with the bloom of summer." Thus it is with an 
earnest, consistent life. Though quiet and unobstrusive, 
its influence is above all censure. 

"Example is better than precept." We have given 
you "line upon line and precept upon precept, here a 
little and there a little." Who is to give that nobler lesson 
of example? 

Anon. 
Eighteen hundred, seventy-three. 



WHEN a mighty nation embraces a spirit of oppres- 
sion at its birth, the death struggle with liberty 
must surely come, however happy and prosperous it may 
be for a season. Thus it is, with the spirit who fosters 
bad propensities; a spiritual warfare is going on, until 
the wrong is vanquished and harmony is restored. 

Anon. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



133 

GRINDING poverty dwarfs the spirit, while boundless 
wealth pampers pride and folly. Strive to gain a 
competence but do not sigh for riches. 



DARK as the shadows of life may seem, they are but 
fitful moving clouds after all! Beyond and above 
them, the warm genial sun is forever shining, and the 
birds of Paradise are forever singing their glad songs of 
joy and praise! 

Attune your spirits to the heavenly harmony of uni- 
versal "Love and Good Will to all men;" and if you 
chance to stand beneath a fleeting shadow, do not forget 
the flood of sunshine beyond, which gilds each passing- 
pall of blackness with a lining so golden, that when the 
mantle is turned, your startled vision will scarce withstand 
the gorgeous coloring. 

Have patience and await the divine transformation. 
It is surely coming. 

Anon. 



CULTIVATE your spiritual being and though the 
tyrannous discipline of relentless war surround you 
like a dark spirit of evil, yet your souls may rise on the 
wings of truth and love, into the clear sunshine of per- 
petual harmony and peace. 

This is one lesson. Study, learn, treasure, practice it. 

Anon. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



134 

BE not despondent. Time with progressive march is 
bearing you forward into the pure, fair regions of 
absolute Life immortal. Its messengers continually whis- 
per to your waiting spirit of its incoming glory.. 

If the messengers sometimes fail you, can you not 
rest in peace on the faith and trust of long and rich ex- 
perience? We do not wish to speak through wood, but 
more directly— spirit to kindred-spirit. 

Anon. 



AS the brown earth contains within its dark clammy 
mould, the promise of the ever-varying verdure of 
Spring, so the crude barren spiritual seance bears the 
germ of humanity's highest hope made a living reality — 
the mingling of the upper and lower world in one ! 



Eighteen hundred, eighty-five. 



WHAT shall we say? Speak and we obey if we can. 
Shall we tell you of the home you love? 
The home of the spirit has just as much of beauty 
and symmetry .as the indwelling spirit is able to perceive; 
on more. The habitation is adorned with just what the 
occupant can make; no more. There is no over-reaching 
here. Every member of society has its own only. None 
may borrow or steal. How poor, how naked are some born 
into spirit-life! But when the immortal spirit is thrown 
upon its own resources, it soon rallies its latent powers 
and clothes itself with honor and glory. 

All hail to the power of the indwelling spirit of Man ! 

Anon. 
Eighteen hundred, eighty-three. 



135 

BE not desponding my young friends. The clouds will 
all disperse and the mental horizon of your spirit 
grow clear as a spotless mirror, on which may be shadowed 
forth the uses of every trial. 

Let your faith buoy you up through the cares of life. 

James Reed. 



WE come. We bring many good gifts; chief est among 
which are the treasures of Love and Good Will 
that roll in for all, from the near borders of the Spirit 
shore. 

Anon. 



THE light of a beautiful faith founded on a knowledge 
of continued unbroken life beyond the dark valley, 
gilds even the most painful scenes of earth-life with the 
golden halo of Hope and Promise. 

Ephraim Gaston. 
Easter, eighteen hundred, eighty-three. 



When Nature ceases, thou shalt still remain. 
Nor second chaos bound thy endless reign; 
Fate's tyrant laws, thy happier lot shall brave; 
Baffle destruction, and elude the grave. 

—Tickell. 



THE LESSONS OF SPIRITUALITY 

AND 

OTHER LITTLE SERMONS. 

BY 

CHARLES BARTON. 




EAR the Cross of Truth firmly and unwaver- 
ingly through dark morasses, and shadows 
of ignorance. Push back the sorrow- 
ing billows of despair and passion. Do not let them roll 
above you, freezing the spirit and locking up all the foun- 
tains of life. 

The spirit is indestructible. Do you not receive daily 
the holiest assurances of the eternal individuality of the 
divine soul? 

Eighteen hundred, fifty -nine. 



GO on with your investigation; be earnest in your de- 
sire for truth; let no motives foreign to this holy 
object steal among your little number, and success will 
ultimately crown your efforts. 

Eighteen hundred, sixty -three. 



STRIVE to live a pure, harmonious and progressive 
life, that you may he daily, hourly in spiritual com- 
munion, without the intervention of wooden furniture. 

Eighteen hundred, sixty-three. 



140 

THE gleanings of spiritual life glimmer but faintly 
amid earth's contending elements. But when the 
fire of adversity has purified your nation, and the loving 
spirit of forgiveness and peace again hovers around it, 
imparting more real majesty than its bold defiant eagle, 
then we hope to pour down a flood of heavenly light and 
knowledge upon an emancipated people. 

Eighteen hundred, sixty-five. 



NEVER let your pleasures rise above the calm, quiet 
joys which reason and spirituality can sanction. 
Then shall your sorrows never fall below the influence 
and control of these unerring and immortal guides. 

Eighteen hundred, sixty-five. 



YOU are all faithful and deserve better manifestations 
than we are able to produce. Yet it is good for you 
to meet anywhere and think towards the life beyond. The 
change will not shock you, if you study upon its many 
phases. 

As no two persons are precisely the same, so no two 
spirits experience like sensations in the hour of physical 
dissolution. Those who have lived a noble, useful life 
here, are ripe for usefulness and happiness beyond and 
you should strive to live for this end. It is the only meed 
worth winning in the race of life, for it is an eternal 
prize. 

Eighteen hundred, eighty -one. 



T 



141 

HE starry firmament is peopled by an unnumbered 
host of living, thinking individualized beings, that 
serve to fill infinite space with intelligence and thought. 

You cannot then direct thought or question upward 
into space, that every echo from your mind does not touch 
myriad intelligences, each one bringing back an answer 
redolent, with truth and love. Every zephyr that fans 
your cheeks has a thousand answers to your questioning 
spirit. 

Learn to read aright the lessons of the spirit. 

August, eighteen hundred, eighty-five. 



Zhc Xessons of Spirituality. 

V HE lessons of spirituality are designed to impart 

a deep and abiding hope, a firm and unfaltering 

-^- trust in man's immortality; a more extensive 
view of the principles of universal brotherhood; greater 
knowledge of the ascending path of progress; a more 
exalted conception of the Infinite Father; more rational 
ideas of future rewards and punishments; and a general 
knowledge of the immutable and unchangeable laws of 
nature, which embrace all science, philosophy and art,— 
the principles of which, spiritual beings desire to elucidate 
to the mind of man. 

The channel is often weak and broken, and but a faint 
glimmer of the flood of struggling beams beyond, pierces 
the gloom, but as the first dim ray which lights the dark 
eastern horizon, speaks of day's sure approach, so do these 
stray beams herald forth, with unerring voice, the rising 
of a glorious spiritual luminary, which shall fill the soul 
of man with renovating warmth and beauty. 

But why prophesy of the future when the present lies 
before us, whereon to mould figures of living love and 
wisdom? Because, when the airy pinions of hope, carry 
the soul to flowery scenes beyond, the present catches the 
inspiration and the scroll is impressed with more light 
and graceful characters. 

Now let us look back and review the principles before 
enumerated. A belief in the immortality of the soul has 
been prevalent in the human race since the beginning of 
the earth's diurnal course around the center of light; an 
intuition, vague and devoid of wisdom, filled with dark 
spectral doubts, hideous devils and revengeful gods. But, 
as the spiritual sun rises and the light of progression 
grows clear, these phantoms disappear. The shadow of 



143 

an angry God, however, still darkens the pathway of 
earth's inhabitants. 

In the vast concourse of physical nature, every law 
by which it is governed proves clearly to the philosophical 
mind the indestructibility of matter, hence its immortality. 
The reasoning mind of man arises, asserts its superior 
claims and says: "Is the inanimate substance, which 
knows nor feels nothing and has no beauty nor life save as 
I move it, or breathe into it,— this poor clay— to enjoy the 
divine gift of immortality, and its ruler to be lost in the 
whirlpool of oblivion?" No! my instinct, my intuition, 
my spirituality have ever said, "Thou art immortal;" 
and now my reason joins in the common chorus, "Child of 
immortality thou shalt live for ever!" 

When man, in his relations with his brother man, is 
governed by the divine principles of universal brother- 
hood, he has a more exalted standard of human excellence 
than even the golden rule can impart, for this, ofttimes, 
asks more sacrifice of him than he would require of his 
brother. The law of mutual dependence is a beautiful 
provision of prolific Mother Nature, for cementing the 
interests of mankind in one vast common cause. If any 
selfish individual strives to detach himself from the com- 
mon stock of humanity, he finds he is but one link in the 
endless chain of universal brotherhood, dependent, not 
only on all the higher members, but just as much on all 
the lower ones in this indivisible body of it. 

When you behold the vicious, the ignorant, the de- 
graded around you, do not spurn them from your pres- 
ence, but remember, in the economy of nature that they 
are not only dependent on you for light and strength to 
come up higher, out you, too, must make of them a stepping 
stone for your future ascension. Do not seek companion- 
ship among the low and vile, but do not bar them from 
the light of your better example. Ever be their friend 
and counsellor in word and deed, then shall the perpetual 
sunlight of universal love finally diffuse a warmth and 
radiance through their undeveloped souls; and the germ 



144 

of divine thought and feeling will burst the icy barrier of 
darkness and frost that has enveloped them, and sparkle 
in the firmament of immortal being. 

The law of progress is the fundamental principle of 
physical nature. The infant develops into the man of 
strength and agility. The thread-like shoot, which the 
eye can scarcely discern and the careless foot might trample 
on, becomes the majestic forest tree which the elements 
contend against for centuries in vain. The bud is trans- 
formed into the flower, the flower becomes fruit, the fruit 
yields seed after its kind, which in its turn multiplies many 
fold. Thus the whole mighty material structure, including 
worlds, suns, and solar systems, is progressively unfolding 
from lower forms of development up to the higher. 

When the material form has reached the summit of its 
interior strength and power, it stands, for a season, a 
monument to the creative power of nature. Then the 
spirit, which permeates and sustains it, gradually un- 
clasps from its embrace and the inert matter is carried 
wherever the attraction of gravity is the strongest. 

You might ask, " Where is the progression, since the 
material elements have all fallen back to their original 
condition?'' 

I reply : It is the spirit that reared them, that reaped 
the benefit of their production; that is seeking some higher 
form, by which to continue its own unfoldment. It is 
the spirit only, which fills all time and space, ever striving 
to individualize itself; the spirit only, that continues to 
live and progress, through all the changes of physical na- 
ture and of all her works! 

Man possesses the only individualized spirit of the 
external world. In him the crude spirit of nature and the 
divine spirit of Wisdom meet, clasp hands and unite the 
temporal and eternal, in one common march, along the 
highway of Progression. 

The Father of the Universe, that mighty omnipresent 
and all-pervading Power, which fills all space with life, 
light, love and wisdom! What can we, the created, know 



145 

of the Creator? Nothing but His manifestations through 
His works. We see His wonderful goodness in adapting 
all His creatures to their own peculiar condition and we 
love this divine attribute. We see His perfect wisdom 
and we adore. His infinite Love is dimly reflected in our 
own soul, by the mirror of our own imperfect love and 
this we worship. His unlimited power is displayed to us, 
and we fear and revere Him as the Author and Controller 
of our destiny. Thus we are led to fear, love and worship 
one unseen Supreme Being— of whom we know nothing, 
save that He is called God. 

I have told only the oft repeated lesson of God's ob- 
scurity and immensity. The question now arises, "Is ther- 
a personal God? or is this indwelling Life and Power, but 
the divine elements of nature ? Is nature the God, or only 
the outspoken language of Deity?" 

These are grave questions and require God to solve 
them. 

I am only a pilgrim on the highway of Progression, 
but, having advanced a little farther than yourselves, can 
say that I have seen no more of God here, than while on 
earth, save as my perceptions have grown clearer; and 
I can better appreciate the Father in His works as I in- 
crease more and more in spiritual knowledge. Since He 
fills all space He must be every where alike; yet He is 
individualized or He is nothing. 

Hence my reason bids me believe in an individual 
God. 

Chas. Barton. 
Eighteen hundred, sixty -four. 



146 

5PIR1T-C03IMUNI0N is the influx of faith and knowl- 
edge of a higher life, from the disembodied spirit 
to the spirit still clothed with earthly form; not the mere 
moving of inert matter or the little sayings thus imparted. 
Yet are we glad to meet you with a thought even in this 
imperfect way. What can we add to increase your love, 
faith and good will to your brother man, — to make you 
wiser, better, happier? I know no recipe for perfect bliss, 
except perfect labor and growth. 

Will it help you in the stern duties of physical life 
to know that hosts of spirit friends attend you through 
every bitter trial, surrounding you with love and sympa- 
thy like a wall, to protect you from the sins of selfishness 
and passion? 

Many friends are here. Though the veil is thin to 
our spiritual vision, to the physical eye, it is dark and im- 
penetrable. How shall we rend it in twain,— how? 

Your spirit friends send greeting. Good night. 



QUERY. Are dark circles better than light for de- 
veloping mediumship? 
Answer. When all the members are pure and honest, 
.'arkness i* a better condition than light. 



WE respond. The invisible messengers of the spirit,— 
a host— attend you, all yearning for love left be- 
hind! 

We would fain bring faith to the unbelieving; hope 
to the despairing; love to the mourning; and, above all, 



147 

knowledge and truth to the whole world, but we cannot. 
The cardinal virtues are of slow growth and must be cul- 
tivated long and diligently ere they can blossom and bear 
fruit in the spirit of man. Gold or jewels cannot purchase 
them, neither can they come to man simply for asking, 
but are the sure reward of continual culture. 

The spirit-life is a continuation of earth-life, not 
merely the opening and closing of a door. It is putting 
off the worn-out robe of mortality and putting on the 
light, pure, yet imperishable garment of the spirit. This 
change of raiment forestalls a still greater change in the 
individual spirit itself, a change in all the habits, pur- 
poses and associations of life. The aims and pursuits must 
all meet with a radical and entire change. 

Happy is that spirit who does not love too well the 
enjoyment of the flesh, for such pleasures cannot enter the 
realm of the spirit. Truly are we changed in the twinkling 
of an eye. 

Are you tired of us ? We could continue ad infinitum. 

Chas. Barton. 



OCT 11 t9Cb 



The thing that hath been, it is that which 
shall be; and that which is done, is that which 
shall be done: and there is no new thing 
under the sun. 

—Ecclesiastes I-IX. 



We give you a cordial hand-shake across the 
mystic line which, like the girdle-belt of the 
earth, exists only in conditions, not in space. 



LBJ e '07 



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